Paterson advocates say schools have too few counselors, too many cops

By Ed Rumley and Joe Malinconico Paterson Press Published 5:22 PM EST Nov 9, 2018 PATERSON – Local education advocates say the Paterson district should consider increasing its counseling staff and cutting the number of police officers and security guards in schools. That was the theme of a “Dignity in Schools Campaign” community forum sponsored recently by the Parent Education Organizing Council of Paterson and the Paterson Education Fund (PEF), two nonprofit organizations. Speakers at the event held at Eastside High School asserted that counselors are more qualified to reach and address the social and emotional needs of children.  “We hope to have a balanced discussion here today because of the climate we live in,” said Rosie Grant, executive director of the PEF. “But there is data that backs the fact that when police are present children are more likely to be arrested.  The bottom line is to keep kids in school and not in the juvenile justice system.”  The Paterson school district has 73 guidance counselors and 12 student assistance coordinators. Its security staff includes 12 off-duty city police officers, 49 district security officers and 116 staff members from a private security company. “I do want more counselors, and I want more professional development for staff so that they are trained to handle some of the situations that our security staff handle,” said Paterson Schools Superintendent Eileen Shafer in a statement. “I want more counselors for students to address mental health issues and provide individual and group counseling.” But… [Read full story]