The Moore County Board of Education clarified the role of school counselors at its July 10 meeting.
Vice-Chair David Hensley presented information on the role of school counselors under Policy 6330 Counseling Program. Hensley said the idea that school counselors are allowed under school policies to keep secrets told to them by students was misinformation and undermined trust. He said counselors took it upon themselves to keep secrets.
Vice-Chair David Hensley presents visuals to open a discussion on the role of school counselors at the July 10, 2023, school board work session.
Between 2012 and 2023, 47 new students enrolled in Moore County Schools, and parents chose to homeschool students or send them to charter or private schools, according to Hensley. He said it was due to trust issues.
Policy 6330 Counseling Program states counseling is a shared responsibility of all academia and individuals. Suspected maltreatment must be reported. Any document a counselor prepares must be shared with other staff as part of students’ educational records and available to parents.
Under N.C. General Statute 115C-316.1, counselors are to offer counseling to students, families and staff. This includes small group counseling, crisis counseling, referrals, peer facilitation, and other counseling approved by the State Board of Education.
The state describes the school counselor’s job as a collaboration, not secretive counseling. The job requires open communication with parents and guardians and referrals to professionals.
Member Philip Holmes said the board needed to be cautious with LGBTQ students.
Member Pauline Bruno said parents were upset about repeated secret counseling sessions, especially when it was too late.
Chair Robert Levy said Superintendent Tim Locklair will work with counselors to ensure they meet state protocols.
To watch the video on this topic and other discussions during the July 10 meeting, please click here.
Feature photo: A screenshot of the Moore County Board of Education July 10 meeting.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel journalist Stephanie M. Sellers; BS Mass Communications and Journalism, MFA Creative Writing.
