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SD 70 loses both psychologists at once

Contingency plans are being drawn up as School District 70 is losing its two school psychologists for at least this year.

Contingency plans are being drawn up as School District 70 is losing its two school psychologists for at least this year.

One of its psychologists is taking maternity leave and another is taking time off for personal reasons, SD 70 Superintendent Cam Pinkerton said. Both are expected to be back next school year, he added.

The district hedged their bets by having two psychologists on staff in case one couldn’t work for some reason.

“It’s coincidental that both of them will be off at the same time,” he said.

The pair provide psychological services to all 14 schools in the district.

They also provide critical testing for students who require one of three special needs designations and accompanying services, Pinkerton said.

“To access this you have to have a designation by a psychologist,” he said. “But the supports are already here for students who need them.”

The district has canvassed for a temporary psychologist but have thus far been unsuccessful finding one. District staff are also exploring contracting the position to local providers, Pinkerton said.

Students who require testing will be categorized as high priority and tested now by staff before the psyhcologists leave, he said.

“And If there’s a gap in service then we can also go to another district that provides it.”

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