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Relating to the use of public school counselors’ work time.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 179 would require school districts to use 80% of a school counselor's work time in counseling-related work. The bill would allow a process by which the school district's trustees may change this requirement if they believe their situation is exceptional. The bill also would require an annual assessment by the school district of their compliance with this policy.
Texas Action opposes SB 179 on the principle of limited government. While we do want students to receive adequate counseling, it is unnecessary to set a state-wide mandate that would set the same requirement of school counselors across all school districts in the state, even if there is an option for a school board to create a different policy. Decisions regarding the use of a school counselor's time are best made between the local ISDs and the counselor and they should not be micromanaged by the legislature.
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