To the editor:

Having a counselor at the elementary school level is essential to raising responsible, active, well-adjusted children. I am appalled to hear that USD 497 has chosen this area to cut the budget.

The fact is that children are exposed at a younger and younger age to crime, gangs, drugs and violence. Elementary children need an outlet. They need a reassuring force to assist them in learning coping skills.

When I was diagnosed with a terminal illness, my main concern was how to continue to raise my daughter to be a happy, spirited child. Her counselor at Prairie Park, Ed Barnhart, was able to bridge the gap between home and school. He eased her worries, helped her deal with her anger and showed her ways to let her class understand the feelings that she was having. Mr. Barnhart also led students in dealing with the long-term illness and death of a classmate and the loss of another classmate’s mother. The children were able to express their grief and sustain their friends during this enormously sad time.

These are just a few of the ways that Mr. Barnhart has impacted my daughter’s school. I am sure that I am not alone in being concerned about this change. To let this position go unfilled saves a few dollars today. I wonder how many dollars it will take to heal the damage it does for our children’s future? Parents, let’s urge the school board to reconsider this move.

Louise Pennewell,

Lawrence