MS HB1398

Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, the Adequate Education Program must allocate sufficient funding for each school district to employ one elementary professional school counselor, with additional counselors funded each year until every elementary school has at least one state-funded counselor.

If insufficient funding is appropriated, allocation must prioritize school districts accredited at the three lowest levels that have the greatest documented need, based on crime and violence incidence, free lunch participation, and dropout rates.

Professional school counselors must hold a minimum Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling, spend at least 80% of work time in direct counseling with students, and provide comprehensive services including academic counseling, crisis intervention, career planning, and conflict resolution.

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

The counselor-to-student ratio in elementary schools may be no less than 1:500 or one counselor per school building, whichever is greater, and annual appropriations for elementary school counselors may not be reduced until this ratio is achieved statewide.