Rockford, Ill. – At a recent Rockford Public Schools (RPS) board meeting, psychologists voiced serious concerns after the district eliminated the procedural coach position this past spring, leaving roughly 20 staff members without jobs.
Increased clerical load on remaining psychologists
RPS 205 psychologists say the loss of procedural coaches has forced the remaining mental‑health professionals to take on additional administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, tracking deadlines, and handling paperwork. “Essentially, we have the same amount of time in the day with triple the responsibilities and we have not gotten the support from district administration that we would like to have,” said psychologist Callie Hunter.
Impact on student mental‑health services
Both Hunter and colleague Ben Lilly argue that the added duties limit their capacity to deliver prevention, awareness, and intervention services for students in special and general education. “We truly can provide a lot of mental health support within the school, and I feel like that part of our job is being lost,” Lilly added.
The psychologists were told the procedural coach role was eliminated because individualized education programs were improving and the district believed the coaches were no longer needed. However, with psychologists already stretched across two schools each, they fear the decision will reduce the quality of care for students and may push staff to seek employment elsewhere.
Recent tragedies underscore urgency
Recent local suicides have heightened anxiety among the mental‑health team. “We see and we know we can help, but we are not being allowed to do that because we’re so bogged down in these clerical duties,” Hunter said.
In response, the psychologists are urging RPS 205 families to contact the district and express their concerns about the staffing reductions, hoping community pressure will prompt a reassessment of duties.
District response
Rockford News First has reached out to the school district for comment. The district has indicated that it is reviewing the concerns raised by the psychologists and will address them at the upcoming board meeting.
The situation highlights a broader challenge for school districts across the region: balancing budgetary constraints with the growing demand for mental‑health resources in schools.
Original reporting: WIFR Rockford News First (local) — read the source article.
