MS HB986

Allocates funding through the Mississippi Adequate Education Program beginning in the 2021-2022 school year to employ elementary professional school counselors, with one counselor per district initially and additional positions added each fiscal year until every elementary school has at least one state-funded counselor

Prioritizes funding allocation to school districts accredited at the three lowest levels that demonstrate the greatest need based on incidences of crime and violence, free lunch participation, and dropout rates if full funding is not appropriated

Establishes a required counselor-to-student ratio of no less than 1:500 in elementary schools, or one counselor per school building, whichever is greater

Requires professional school counselors to hold a minimum of a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling, spend at least 80% of work time in direct counseling with students, and devote no more than one-fifth of the work day to administrative activities

Authorizes the State Department of Education to employ a supervisor of professional school counselors to oversee both new elementary counseling programs and existing secondary programs