JACKSON COUNSELORS LACK STAFF, TECHNOLOGY

Jackson High School guidance counselors are nearing the limits of their effectiveness, the Jackson Board of Education was told Tuesday.

The counselors said that while they believe they are adequately meeting the current needs of students, they are quickly running out of the time, room, technology and resources needed to help students prepare for the future.

"Guidance counseling hasn't become any less complex, it's become more complex," said counselor Judi Meyr. "I think we're doing a better job than we were doing five years ago, but we can always do better."

Dr. Howard Jones, superintendent of the Jackson School District, told board members the guidance program works well under the conditions but that the counselors are understaffed. He said the situation cannot be changed until after new school facilities are in place.

The high school is building a new math and science wing.

"My perception is that we are understaffed," Dr. Jones said. "Space becomes a major factor when considering what changes need to be made. For example, where would we put another counselor if we got one?"

The counselors said their programs are based on responses by students and parents in a needs assessment compiled every three years. Some of the needs they have found to be most important are college planning and career development, honing consumer and homeowner skills, and learning about marriage and family planning.

The counselors said they are having problems getting college-bound students information on schools and scholarships due to a lack of computer technology.

Funding also becomes a problem, they said, when trying to develop relationships with teachers, administrators, parents and students.

"The high school counselor job has become much more complex than most people imagine," said counselor Don Pugh. "It has changed drastically over the years, and our problem is that we are working in kind of adverse conditions."

Dr. Jones said these problems may be addressed by the new facilities being built for the high school.

In other business, Jim Hillin presented the school's audit report for the last fiscal year. The school had a budget of approximately $16 million, he said, and doesn't have many problems.

"The school district is basically pretty healthy," Hillin told board members. He said the audit report showed that detailed planning and budgeting seems to have been in effect for a number of years.

Jerlene Hutteger was honored by the board for 32-plus years of distinguished service to the district in food service at the junior high school. She was presented with a clock to symbolize her timeless dedication to the students.

The board voted to reschedule the next meeting for Tuesday to avoid meeting the week of Thanksgiving.