Parents object to proposed school counselor reductions

A proposal to cut counseling staff in the Anacortes School District faced fierce opposition from parents and students during a recent school board meeting. The district grapples with a budget deficit requiring cuts of $1. 5 to $3 million for the upcoming school year. This reduction would lead to a significant decrease in counselor availability, with one counselor potentially serving three elementary schools. Student representatives expressed concerns about the detrimental effects on student support, emphasizing the necessity of counselors.

School Board President Jennie Beltramini explained that the board does not favor these cuts but is constrained by a challenging budget situation stemming from declining enrollment and insufficient state funding. The district has already made $5. 4 million in budget cuts over the past four years. Community members are encouraged to engage with state legislators to advocate for improved funding. The board's decisions reflect a larger issue of accountability and authority within public education.