Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act

Increased access to mental health support: The bill helps high-need schools recruit and retain providers like school counselors, psychologists, and social workers to assist students (Section 4(e)(1)).

Improved student-to-provider ratios: The funding aims to move schools toward recommended maximum ratios, such as 250 students per school counselor, 500 per school psychologist, and 250 per school social worker (Section 4(e)(1)(B)).

Support for specific populations: The bill reserves funds specifically for schools operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian Education and for outlying areas (Section 4(a)(1)).

Priority for low-income communities: Local educational agencies are encouraged to prioritize assisting high-need schools that serve a significant number of students from low-income families (Section 4(e)(3)).

Financial burden on States: To receive a grant, a State must agree to provide matching funds equal to 20 percent of the grant amount (Section 4(c)).

Administrative requirements: States and local educational agencies must deal with various application processes, annual reporting requirements, and providing data on student-to-provider ratios (Sections 4(d), 4(e)(1), and 4(g)).