The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a requirement for each county to employ two school counselors for every 1,000 students in net enrollment, effective August 1, 2025. This requirement is clarified to ensure it does not increase the number of eligible professional student support personnel positions mandated under the public school support program. Additionally, the bill allows counties to adopt specific counselor-to-student ratios, such as one counselor for every 400-450 students in elementary and middle schools and one counselor for every 250-300 students in high schools.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the roles and responsibilities of school counselors, emphasizing their focus on direct counseling relationships with students while limiting their involvement in administrative tasks. It mandates that school counselors participate in training every two years on various topics, including career counseling and academic planning. The legislation aims to enhance the support provided to students in public schools by ensuring adequate counseling resources are available while maintaining the integrity of existing personnel funding structures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-18band, 18-9A-8
Committee Substitute: 18-5-18band, 18-9A-8
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18-5-18band, 18-9A-8
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 18-5-18b