St. Paul, Minn. - Yesterday, State Rep. Kaela Berg (DFL-Burnsville) joined leaders from the Minnesota School Counselor Association and students to announce a proposal meant to address unmet student counselor needs in Minnesota schools.
“We want our children to live in a state where they know they’ll be able to access the mental health services they need,” Rep. Berg said. “School counselors are essential for our students as they plan for their future, and counselors are essential for our students’ well-being.”
According to the American School Counselor Association, Minnesota ranks 48th in the United States for student-to-counselor ratio. Rep. Berg’s proposal will set a goal of a 250:1 student-to-counselor ratio, which is the recommended ratio from ASCA to meet student needs. This proposal builds on the Student Support Personnel Aid bill passed by DFLers last year.
“In Minnesota, we support public education. This proposal will give our school boards and administrators a road map to address the needs of our students and make their lives better,” Rep. Berg added.
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