Possible Pink Slips For Counselors

How would you feel if the very foundation of your life was being taken away? This frightening situation is exactly what is currently happening here at Monterey Trail High School. It is no surprise that schools all over the state have had cut back; for California schools especially this is inevitable. Unfortunately, these budget cuts are now targeting our school counselors – it has been projected that there will be no counselors on site after the budget cuts are put into effect. Obviously, the question arises: how will the students’ needs be addressed? To put it in laymen’s terms, they won’t. Of course other options are being discussed, such as cutting down to as few as two counselors. Still, the outlook does not look good.

“Despite the circumstances, I have faith that our students are resilient and will find a way.”

Voices from the Trail discussed this with Monterey Trail High School’s head counselor, Mr. Tracie Dotson, a man who is currently experiencing the problems aforementioned. Undoubtedly, he too was upset about these changes and how they were to affect our students in the following years.

The Cause of Cuts

Due to the state budget cuts, the district will be forced to make a decision by the end of year – one that will affect students in the 2010 -2011 school year. Counselors such as Mr. Dotson, determined to stop this from happening, have formed the union EGEA: Elk Grove Education Association. According to Mr. Dotson, this union has formed in order to educate parents and students in the surrounding community on what will happen if there is no future access to counselors. “We have to think smarter,” says Mr. Dotson. The choices we make now will impact these students’ futures. Countless students come to their counselors daily to discuss personal or academic problems. Without the guidance of our counselors, the lack of direction the students will have access to will be utterly astonishing. Mr. Dotson agreed with Voices from the Trail that a future at Monterey Trail High School or any other high school, without counselors, will hold chaos and disorganization. Students as well are disappointed about the possibilities of this decision. The final outcome will be decided in a compromise between the union and the district.

A Day Without A Counselor Means…

…at least one student contemplating suicide will have no professional counselor to meet with them to assess and connect them to helping resources

…at least one student will not receive personal counseling to diffuse an emotional crisis and may seek destructive means to cope

…at least one economically disadvantaged student will not know that there are options for paying college

…at least one student will be improperly placed in an academic class that will prevent them from applying to a 4 year college

…at least one student using drugs/alcohol will not have a counselor to turn for help

…at least one student in need of support and guidance will feel overwhelmed and discouraged

…at least one student will not be referred to CPS and will go home to an abusive situation

…at least one student will not be able to graduate because they are in the wrong class

…at least one student will have no where to go when they are feeling depressed and isolated

…at least one student will drop out of school because they have made no meaningful connection at their school

“We have all developed a fondness for our students. It feels good to see students get what they deserve. Of course I’m upset. I’m losing my passion, to help the community. I see my goals being swept away from me.”

– Mr. Dotson