Wicomico hires consultant to evaluate student counseling services

WICOMICO CO., Md. – Wicomico County Public Schools has hired an outside consultant to evaluate the counseling services it offers to students and soon the community will be able to offer input.

Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin says the consultant will help figure out if they are doing two things: whether they’re providing the correct resources for students and if they’re using funding effectively. Hanlin says this has been in the works for a couple of years. However, recent situations like school fights have put the plan higher on the priority list.

“Yes, I think, definitely. I knew that it would be a responsive thing to do for the community who have concerns to know that we are taking this very seriously,” says Wicomico County Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin.

The firm will look at things like how many staff members the district has to help children with social, emotional and behavioral issues as well as what their daily schedules look like. They’ll also conduct community focus groups in March. Officials are still deciding how people will be able to participate. Their report should be done by late spring or early summer. The consultant is District Management Group, a Boston-based organization.