The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a mandated ratio of school counselors to students, requiring each county to employ two school counselors for every 1,000 students enrolled, effective August 1, 2025. This provision allows counties to maintain a more flexible counselor-to-student ratio, permitting one counselor for every 400-450 students in elementary and middle schools, and one counselor for every 250-300 students in high schools. Additionally, the bill stipulates that this requirement should not increase the number of eligible professional student support personnel positions for which funding is required.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the role of school counselors as full-time professionals who must spend at least 80% of their time in direct counseling with students, while limiting their involvement in administrative tasks. It also mandates that school counselors participate in ongoing training every two years, covering various topics related to career counseling, academic planning, and personal development. The bill aims to enhance the support provided to students in public schools by ensuring adequate counseling resources and professional development for counselors.

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