Arkansas school nurses advocate for salary increases amid staffing crisis

The House Education Committee of the Arkansas Legislature convened on February 27, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding school nursing, particularly focusing on salary disparities and the challenges faced by school nurses in the state. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for increased funding and support for school nursing positions, which have seen a significant decline in staffing due to inadequate pay.

The session began with discussions led by Amy Fortner, president of the Arkansas School Nurse Association, who emphasized the difficulties in comparing salaries of school nurses to those of other nursing positions. Fortner pointed out that while school nurses typically work between 178 to 190 days a year, their salaries remain significantly lower than the average for registered nurses in other healthcare settings. She noted that many school nurses are leaving the profession for better-paying opportunities, exacerbating the staffing crisis.

Committee members expressed concern over the lack of comprehensive data regarding the workload and responsibilities of school nurses compared to their counterparts in hospitals and clinics. Representative Gonzales Worthy raised questions about the varying contract days among school districts, while Representative Beck emphasized the need for a more nuanced evaluation of school nurse salaries, suggesting that they should not be directly tied to teacher salaries due to the distinct nature of their roles.

Fortner shared her experiences, illustrating the high demands placed on school nurses, who often handle multiple health crises simultaneously without the support of a medical team. She highlighted the importance of school nurses in maintaining student health and attendance, noting that chronic absenteeism due to health issues is a significant concern.

Cynthia Hines, coordinator of health services for Pulaski County Special School District, echoed these sentiments, revealing that many schools operate without a dedicated nurse, forcing teachers and staff to take on additional responsibilities. Hines reported that the pay structure for nurses in her district is inadequate, with many nurses leaving due to low salaries despite their extensive experience.

The committee concluded the meeting without a vote, but members agreed on the necessity of gathering more data to support the case for increased funding for school nursing positions. The discussions underscored the critical role that school nurses play in the educational system and the urgent need for legislative action to address their compensation and support. The committee plans to reconvene to further explore solutions to the ongoing staffing crisis in school nursing across Arkansas.