PSEA is supporting legislation that is expected to be introduced soon that would update the school nurse-to-student ratio and establish professional-to-student ratios for school counselors, psychologists, and social workers.
This is part of an effort to ensure that every school has enough of these professionals to meet students’ needs.
The legislation, which will be sponsored by Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, reflects the recommendations of professional associations and PSEA’s Government Policy Agenda, approved by the PSEA House of Delegates last December. Currently, school nurses are the only pupil service professionals with student ratios mandated in law.
Increasing the number of counselors and mental health professionals in schools was one of the major recommendations to come out of Gov. Tom Wolf’s statewide task force on school safety. Former PSEA President Dolores McCracken was a member of that task force, and at the request of the governor, more than 1,000 PSEA members provided input.
In addition to establishing ratios for school professionals who work with students outside of the classroom, the proposed legislation also calls for certification of school social workers, which PSEA has supported for the past decade.
“Some students have mental health and social needs that extend well beyond the scope of classroom teachers and support professionals, which, unaddressed, would make it nearly impossible for them to reach their full potential,’’ said PSEA President Rich Askey. “This bill will go a long way in providing students with the support they need, and at the same time help protect others in the school environment.’’
