The Real Cost of Ignoring School Chaplains

Written By Dorothy Kozar - NSCA Publicist

Who identifies the signs of student decline and helps foster resilience?  It is the School Chaplain dedicated to supporting the broken-hearted, while recognizing that the school system is also in need of assistance. According to Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Human Development, unresolved conflicts at any stage hinder progression to the next stage, impacting interpersonal relationships, academic performance and overall physical and mental health. This ultimately affects the well-being of society now and in the future.  So, who bears the cost of a fractured society?

With that in mind, who pays a far higher cost if we don’t act?  Since 1960, secular strategies alone have failed to manage rising hopelessness and confusion. Alarmingly, girls between the ages of 10 and 14 represent the fastest-growing group at risk for suicide among school-aged children, with a staggering 122% increase in recent years 

Approximately 2 million adolescents attempt suicide annually. Among pediatric deaths in the U.S., over 25% are due to suicide, which is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 24.  Annually, around 6,500 deaths in this demographic account for 14% of all U.S. suicides. The loss and grief is crippling.  The financial toll is  immense; for instance suicide deaths in North Carolina alone cost over 16 billion in 2022, averaging 1,554 per person (CDC WISQARS Cost of Injury Report) 

School funding already incorporates a per-child allowance for safety and emotional support, enveloping services like chaplains, counselors and resource officers.  While schools face critical shortages in supplies, better pay and structural needs, chaplain services do not draw from these budgets.

Investing in a school chaplain is significantly less burdensome to taxpayers than managing the consequences of escalating social issues.

Many students in crisis seek support through risky behaviors, resulting in hospitalization, substance abuse, joblessness, homelessness, theft, gang involvement, property damage, harm others and some eventually go to prison . Such dysfunction represents a massive financial drain.           

Declining student accountability, poor coping skills, and lack of motivation translate into diminished academic achievement, poor work ethics, lack of vision and productivity, culminating in unemployment.  Students lacking life skills create a ripple effect that displaces current workers.  Seasoned employees often retire early, experiencing burnout as they shoulder the workload of the new hires. Therefore, we’re left with the costly aftermath of a remaining workforce void of  mutual respect among co-workers, lacking conflict resolution skills and without concept of excellent customer service. 

School chaplains can offer stability and help foster accountability among students. They support teachers who strive to meet academic standards amidst divisive influences that create challenging classroom environments. Teachers who are inspired to educate, cannot single-handedly serve as counselors, parents and psychologist.

With 40 to 50% of teachers resigning within five years due to safety concerns, this epidemic is detrimental to all involved —-teachers, troubled students, and society at large. In light of these ongoing issues, the real question is not about who covers the cost, but why shouldn’t we harness the essential and unique role of school chaplains? The answer is clear. The time is now. While multifaceted problems require comprehensive solutions, hiring chaplains can provide valuable support to help students and staff regain their sense of purpose, joy and vision.

What is the cost of a School Chaplain? Undoubtedly, the value far exceeds the expense!

Cost-effective Risk Management:

Together, we can enhance the welfare and success of students, improve school systems and support families, leading to a safer, more peaceful and prosperous society.

Moving Forward

Everyone can help raise awareness and advocate for the inclusion of chaplains in schools. Many see the urgency to contribute financially, thereby expediting this long-overdue necessity. Perhaps you or someone you know may consider becoming a Certified School Chaplain.

Next Steps: School Chaplain Certification

The National School Chaplain Association (NSCA) offers a nationally recognized certification program for individuals seeking to serve in public and private school settings. Certified chaplains are trained in crisis care, youth mentorship, and spiritual support, operating within constitutional guidelines that respect both faith and educational standards. As the need for emotional and relational support on school campuses continues to grow, certified school chaplains are helping fill this critical gap in a professional, legally compliant, and cost-effective manner.

Learn more about the certification process at
👉 www.nationalschoolchaplainassociation/certification

Dorothy Kozar - NSCA Publicist

Dorothy Kozar is a published author, public speaker and holds a Masters degree from Duke University. Functioning as an editorial writer and Publicist for National School Chaplain Association (NSCA), she enjoys writing and serving as a Certified School Chaplain. She retired after a 32 year surgical career, ultimately as a self-employed Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, providing peri-operative patient care. She rounded out that career, as director of the Department of Robotic Surgery. Her legacy contribution was serving as Legislative Liaison for Operating Room Nurses, led to the passing of a bill in the N.C. House. She also met with legislators at D.C. and spoke there at a national nursing convention. Dorothy seeks to be an agent of change in upholding godly standards in our schools, culture, local and national government. Likewise, as a minister, a wife, mother and grandmother; she’s driven by a heart to educate, demonstrate and protect the freedoms; whereby Christ has made us free.