A recent overhaul to its counseling department met with an out-pour of mixed emotions this week. Monroe Public Schools administration announced that it would be replacing its current counselor positions with social workers and support staff “to provide more direct and consistent support to those that are struggling most in our classrooms.”
The Monroe High Counseling Center, which used to house the grade-level counselors, will be reconstructed with four social workers, two lead support personnel and two post-secondary planners, according to Principal Valerie Orr.
This new plan will be in effect for the next school year along with changes to the media center and parking lot.
“Through the school improvement plan process, the district has been looking for ways to support increased student achievement for a number of years now. This is just another activity that addresses student improvement strategy of targeting resources for student academic growth,” said Superintendent Barry Martin in an email sent to his Monroe Public Schools staff.
The counselors at the high school were made aware of the reconstruction Monday, June 9, during school and, according to Martin, those counselors who are going to be leaving the counseling department can find positions elsewhere in the district, and may apply for any of these newly created positions for which they are qualified. Some of the positions may not be full-time.
According to Martin, the plan also makes better use of current district resources and is a considerable potential savings to the district.
“Technically, we should have some sort of position whether it’s a graduation coach or a teacher at a school. Everyone has their different certifications. We may or may not have a job in this building,” said junior counselor Kris Rossi.
Many staff and students had strong feelings about the sudden change, both on social media and around school. Many wore black on Thursday to show support for the counselors.
“It’s a hard position to be in, and we are having strong feelings about it. We have been thoroughly trained, and we know our students thoroughly. We invested in our students and in our school. The plan as I know it, is not very personalized. I don’t believe it’s in the best interest of our students,” said sophomore counselor Melissa Stewart.
Some students feel the idea of having social workers available is a positive one.
“I think the availability and the knowledge that they are there will help prevent our students hurting themselves or others or worse,” said junior Emily Ray.
The counselors will round out the year as it comes to a close, possibly applying for the job of being the support staff if they so desire.
“We will be working with the staff over the summer to get everyone placed so everyone will be ready to go in any new position they might have in the fall,” said Martin.