Navigating Uncertainty: Federal Moves in Education and Hope for School Counselors

School counselors have long been a cornerstone of student success, providing academic support, mental health care and a safe space for growth. Despite their essential contributions, they have often been among the first to lose their jobs during fiscal downturns. In past budget crises, many districts considered counseling roles expendable, even as student needs rose.
 
This year, the landscape looks somewhat different. According to the California Teachers Association (CTA), about 2,300 certificated employees statewide received March 15 layoff notices, with most being teachers and librarians. Encouragingly, school counselors were not disproportionately impacted this time. While we continue to advocate for increased school funding and the protection of all essential staff, this shift is worth noting.
 
Still, some school counselors have shared they are facing potential layoffs. If you are among them, CTA has published a helpful guide outlining your rights and options: School Layoffs: What Educators Should Know – California Teachers Association
 

Federal Turbulence and What It Could Mean 

Recent developments at the federal level have introduced new uncertainty for education professionals. President Trump recently signed an executive order directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has been tasked with executing this directive. While the administration insists funding for major programs like IDEA, Title I, and federal student loans will remain intact “for now,” the lack of clarity has sparked widespread concern.
 
Of particular relevance to school counselors, the order signals a continued push against federally funded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and programs supporting gender identity – areas where school counselors often lead. It also sets the stage for shifting federal funds to block grants, moving decision making closer to states and districts, and potentially leading to inconsistencies in how those funds are used.
 
This federal rollback coincides with sweeping staff cuts at the Department of Education. Research teams, legal staff overseeing student protections, and hundreds of federal student aid personnel have been dismissed. Although these actions are framed as streamlining and expanding school choice, many fear they weaken essential protections and reduce oversight, potentially leaving students – and school counselors – more vulnerable.
 

Budget Outlook: Holding Steady for Now

Congress has reached a Continuing Resolution that maintains current education funding through September. Although this offers temporary stability, the White House has gained flexibility to reallocate funds between programs. And with Congress pursuing broad spending cuts across federal agencies, long-term support for education remains in question.
 

A Caution –Not a Crisis 

Given this uncertainty, CASC strongly urges school districts not to make preemptive staffing cuts based on the executive order. The situation remains fluid. California, for example, continues to lead in investing in behavioral health and student services, offering hope that state-level support may counterbalance federal instability.
 
However, school counselors must stay vigilant and engaged. Local and state-level decisions made over the next few months will shape how deeply federal actions are felt on campuses. Historically, school counselors have been among the first positions targeted, even as their value grows in the face of rising student needs.
 

A Beacon of Progress: School Counselors Included in BH-Connect 

Amid federal uncertainty, there is uplifting news for California’s school counseling profession. Thanks to persistent advocacy by the California Association of School Counselors (CASC), school counselors are now formally included in BH-Connect – one of the most significant behavioral health workforce initiatives in the state’s history.
 
Led by the Department of Health Care Access and Information, BH-Connect aims to address the behavioral health provider shortage across California. Until recently, school counselors were often left out of such initiatives. But that is changing. School counselors are now eligible to participate in three transformative programs:

1. Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program
   Offers significant loan forgiveness for practicing school counselors in high-need or underserved areas.
2. Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program
   Supports graduate students in school counseling who commit to serving in California’s behavioral health system post-graduation.
3. Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Recruitment and Retention Program
   Provides funding for districts to hire and retain school counselors, strengthening the workforce pipeline.

This inclusion marks a major shift in how school counselors are recognized. For the first time, school counselors are being considered alongside psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals in long-term workforce planning – an achievement that speaks volumes about the advocacy and vision behind CASC’s work.
 

Looking Ahead with Resolve 

While national education policy faces potential upheaval, California continues to affirm the value of school counselors. CASC will remain at the forefront, advocating for your role and ensuring you have access to new opportunities like those presented through BH-Connect.
 
This moment reminds us that even in times of uncertainty, meaningful progress is possible. Your commitment to students – and the collective advocacy of the school counseling community – is driving change. Thanks to your efforts, a new generation of students will benefit from having highly skilled, well-supported school counselors by their side.
 
More details about how to access BH-Connect opportunities will be shared soon. Stay tuned – and stay encouraged.
 
Contact Loretta Whitson, Ed.D., CASC executive director, at executivedirector@schoolcounselor-ca.org.