Parents, teachers, and students in Tacoma are rallying together to save the district’s four career-guidance specialist roles. These specialists, who work at each of the district’s traditional high schools, play a crucial role in helping students plan for higher education and explore job options.
Despite the importance of these positions, Tacoma Public Schools has announced that they will not have designated career-guidance specialists next school year due to “programmatic changes.” This decision has sparked outrage among residents, with many expressing their concerns to the school board.
One parent, Betsy Kindblade, voiced her disappointment, stating that the loss of these positions would disproportionately harm Tacoma’s most marginalized students. Others, like senior Alexis Green and former student Jose Martinez-Perez Jr., emphasized the vital assistance that career-guidance specialists provide to students in need.
The district, facing a significant budget shortfall, has had to make tough decisions about staffing and resources. While the fate of the displaced specialists remains uncertain, the community is advocating for their roles to be preserved.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the impact of these career-guidance specialists goes far beyond just helping students plan for their futures. They serve as a lifeline for many students, providing support and guidance that can make all the difference in their educational and career paths.