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.
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