Parent Post: I am very surprised that you say your child would prefer to talk to a female counselor. I think my child would have actually talked to a male more openly than a female at that age. Some of the best and most favorite teachers I ever had were male. Yes, in elementary school. And no, I'm not male.

There are men out there who are loving, kind, gentle, nurturing, lovable, smart and GREAT with kids....better than some moms I know. Maybe we should teach our children not to judge based on gender before we get to know someone? If you tell your kid how great it will be, they will believe it. Apples don\'t fall far from the tree.

Parent Post: I never intended to suggest anything wrong with hiring a male elementary school counselor.  I wondered if very small children (K-3) would feel comfortable going to a male counselor if they needed to visit with a counselor.  I do not think that my own children will feel as comfortable with him.  I will encourage my children to get to know him.  I am thrilled that everyone is so supportive and look forward to seeing what Mr. Souter will do with the counseling program at Prairie Vale.

Parent Post 1: I would really like more clarification from Parent 1 about why they expressed concern about the gender of the new DCPV counselor. Last time I checked, there were many great male teachers at our schools, and even the incoming President and VP of the PTO for two of our Deer Creek Elementary Schools share the male gender (which I think is fabulous, btw). What difference does it make?

My father was a teacher and a middle school administrator, and a darn good one, at that. I cannot imagine anyone questioning whether or not my dad should have been allowed to work with small children. I'm kind of feeling offended by the question.

Last time I checked it was illegal to discriminate. Heck, we might even have a woman president this year. Are you covering your mouth at the shock of that thought, too? Come on people....
 

Parent Post 2: To parent post concerning a new counselor at Prairie Vale. If you knew the current situation with the school "counselor" you would jump for joy the powers that be have finally hired someone, anyone capable of doing the job.
 

Parent Post 3: I totally agree...why would someone even question a man being hired for the job? Deer Creek needs qualified people in our school system...male or female.

Parent Post 1: I see from the School Board minutes that Michelle Anderson hired Jason Souter to be the new Prairie Vale Counselor. I am curious whether or not the community is supportive of having a man be an Elementary School Counselor.
 

Parent Post 2: Re: Jason Souter -- I've known the Souter's for a very long time and I have absolutely no problem with Jason being hired as the PV counselor. I hold the entire Souter family in the highest regard. I also believe that it\'s important to have more male role models in the schools, and I don\'t mean as coaches. I see no reason not to have a male fill this position at PV or anywhere else in the district for that matter. Times are changing. Jason will do a wonderful job!
   

Our Reply: To Parent Post 1: Unless there is more to this, why should it make a difference? Do you know something we don't know? Besides the fact that sex discrimination is illegal, if the man was the most qualified for the job, then no matter what race, religion, sex or creed the individual falls under, they deserve the job.

To Parent Post 2: Thank you!