Berkeley principals advocate for additional student facilitators and full-time counselors

Berkeley County Schools is taking significant steps to address the growing demands of special education services, as highlighted in the recent Board of Education Workshop Meeting held on April 3, 2025. The meeting focused on the urgent need for additional student facilitators and counselors to support schools with high populations of special needs students.

The discussion revealed that many schools are struggling to manage the increasing administrative responsibilities associated with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans. One principal noted that their school currently has 47 504 plans, which places a heavy burden on a single assistant principal who is also responsible for special education caseloads. This situation is not unique, as many intermediate schools report similar challenges, with special education populations ranging from 20% to 43%.

To alleviate this pressure, school leaders proposed the addition of three student facilitators to help manage IEP meetings and compliance documentation. This request comes as a compromise, as the original proposal sought a facilitator for every school. The need for these positions is underscored by the fact that many principals are experiencing burnout due to the overwhelming demands of special education meetings alongside their other administrative duties.

In addition to the facilitator positions, the meeting also addressed the critical need for full-time counselors in primary schools. Currently, several schools lack even part-time counseling support, which is essential for addressing the social and emotional needs of students. The principals emphasized that having dedicated counselors is vital for the overall well-being of students and the effective operation of schools.

The board is now faced with the challenge of balancing these requests within the budget. While the need for both additional facilitators and counselors is clear, the discussion highlighted the difficulty of prioritizing one over the other. School leaders expressed a desire for a collaborative approach to ensure that all schools receive the support they need.

As the board considers these proposals, the implications for student support and administrative efficiency are significant. The decisions made in the coming weeks will directly impact the ability of schools to meet the needs of their diverse student populations and maintain a focus on instructional leadership. The urgency of these discussions reflects a broader commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for all students in Berkeley County.