Due to the impending budget crisis, it has been brought to our attention that the Pacifica School Board has determined that the position of Guidance Counselor at Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School be terminated. We, the undersigned members of the IBL School Community, feel that it is vitally important to keep our Guidance Counselor. We have a diverse student population of 600 people, all between the ages of 11-15. We believe that this many children of this specific age group need an on-site expert available to help boost academic achievement, offer counseling services to students At-Risk, teach conflict resolution, and provide comfort and advice for students suffering from poverty, violence, bullying and divorce. We believe that there is more to educating a child than simply teaching ABC's; we think that a child's emotional well-being is a significant factor in creating a positive school experience. We want the best for all of our students. Our on-site, expert Guidance Counselor helps ensure that no student falls through the cracks. We understand the devastating budget cuts the school board is facing, but we feel this position is too important to the well being of our students to let go; we urge the PSD School Board Members to revoke this termination notice. Sincerely, Concerned Community Members of Ingrid B. Lacy