Once again, 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 and urge the Pacifica School Board to revoke this notice of termination. We have a diverse student population of over 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 abuse, poverty, violence, bullying and divorce. An on-site, professional Guidance Counselor may the only place for a troubled adolescent to turn. 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. It may save a child's life. Sincerely, Concerned Community Members of Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School