Guidance counselors updated the Bolivar R-I Board of Education on counseling services across all buildings, highlighting social-emotional supports, K–12 continuity and career‑oriented placements.

Jennifer Farrell and Sandy Simpson, members of the district guidance counseling services team, told the board the counselors work across primary, intermediate, middle and high school levels to prepare students socially and academically and to support transitions between buildings. “We take care of K through 12,” one counselor said.

The counselors said career-readiness and community work opportunities are a major focus at the secondary level. They reported that 42 students are placed in community employment through the district’s BOMA works program. The team also described the A+ program and district mentoring connections that bring former students back as mentors.

Board members thanked the counselors for handling a wide range of student needs and noted the role of counselors and nurses as primary non-classroom responders when students need support. The counselors described recent shifts in student engagement since the COVID period and emphasized an increased return to in‑person activities, dual credit participation and career development.

The presentation was informational; no board action was taken on counseling services during the meeting.