Cindy Bourget, Elk Mound Middle School, Elk Mound School District Counselor Named ASCA 2024 School Counselor of the Year Finalist

CINDY BOURGET
ASCA School Counselor of the Year Finalist

Madison, WI – Cindy Bourget, school counselor at Elk Mound Middle School, Elk Mound, WI, and 2023 Wisconsin School Counselor of the Year, has been named one of five national finalists for 2024 School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). “Each year, this School Counselor of the Year program shows us what the research tells us – that school counselors have a significant impact on students’ academic achievement, social/emotional development, and plans for life after graduation,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director.

The ASCA School Counselor of the Year applicant pool is extremely competitive, with top school counselors from every state being nominated for consideration. Through an extensive application process, Bourget highlighted her ability to create lasting change through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. ASCA’s School Counselor of the Year selection committee, representing school counselors, principals, superintendents, and other organizational leaders, reviews all the applications and determines the top five finalists. This same team will interview the finalists in person in Virginia in mid-November and make the announcement of the School Counselor of the Year winner in December 2023.

Bourget is leading the Elk Mound school counseling team to be data-driven and focused on student achievement, attendance, and discipline. When Bourget arrived in Elk Mound, she came into a program that had a counselor-student ratio of 650:1 and advocated to have the ratio more aligned with national guidelines. By using the ASCA Student Mindsets and Behavior Standards, Bourget surveyed students and staff to create programs and services meeting the unique needs of her school community. This included a trauma-informed care response program for students receiving discipline referrals. Through this work, the Elk Mound Area School District’s counseling program is shifting from reactive to proactive.

Bourget’s leadership shines through with her school’s successful award of a grant for $75,000 that utilized her data linking student mental health, discipline, and school avoidance. This grant has increased clinical mental health services for students during the school day. Bourget consistently collaborates with outside agencies to advocate for student needs and support for parents. In addition to working with Human Services departments in 3 counties, she has worked with UW-Extension, the Dunn County Community Foundation, and the Dunn County Partnership for Youth to develop county-wide programming to support youth.

Bourget embodies systemic change by engaging with parents, community, staff, and the school board with the common goal of sustained student achievement. She is a leader in her school, providing professional development, consultation, and resources to ensure staff have the skills necessary to meet all student needs. The building culture has shifted, and both students and staff have demonstrated a willingness to have crucial conversations.

Bourget will be celebrated at the ASCA School Counselor of the Year recognition events and gala in late January/early February 2024 in Washington, DC.