At the most recent West Central Valley School Board meeting, special education teacher Becca Jacobson addressed the Board on the need for additional guidance counselors in the district. The lengthy discussion that followed Jacobson’s plea will lead to exploration into the matter going forward. The district has already enabled one of their high school counselors to spend some time at Stuart Elementary. However, Superintendent Dr. David Arnold tells Raccoon Valley Radio this will be a process with no simple solution.

Arnold talks about a challenge they see when maintaining State compliance in regards to counseling. “If you look at the K-12 articulated program designed by the state, it’s all academic oriented, focused on career and college readiness. Has nothing to do with social, emotional, or peer relationships at all. That’s a whole different structure and that is not designed into the State’s counseling program.”

Arnold hopes that he can work with incoming Superintendent Lance Ridgely on incorporating a more holistic approach to education at West Central Valley. To hear more about this and other topics in the district, listen to Arnold on today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.