Blackford County Schools Saves Counselor Position Through Guidance Office Restructuring

From the Blackford County Schools Board meeting on April 21, 2026

Rather than replacing a departed guidance counselor, Blackford County Schools is restructuring the junior-senior high school guidance office — saving a position through reorganization instead of layoffs.

Valerie Janowski, the alternative school director and former high school counselor, has been splitting her time between the alternative school and the junior-senior high since second semester. The superintendent reported the arrangement has worked "extremely well."

For the 2026-27 school year, counselor responsibilities are being reorganized by grade band: Tiffany Caspawley will cover 7th and 8th grade plus 9th-grade transition; Monica Solga will handle 9th through 11th grade; and Janowski will serve all seniors, manage graduation tracking, and continue her half-day role at the alternative school.

Multiple building leaders praised the arrangement. Janowski brings more than a decade of district experience with strong career and technical education knowledge. The move is consistent with the district's approach of reducing headcount through attrition rather than layoffs.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County - School Board Meeting - April 21, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.