The enrollment crisis hitting public schools statewide may be felt hardest by the most vulnerable of students as budget cuts eliminate counselors and mental health specialists.
“The funding reduction means eliminating staff members who work directly and consistently with high-risk students every single day,” Vanessa Matute, a licensed mental health counselor and student support specialist, told the Broward County School Board at its May 11 meeting.
“When students are overwhelmed, anxious, failing classes, struggling at home, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, they come to us.”…