Conantillo ISD parents urge board to restore RN staffing and nurse coordinator position

During the recent Canutillo Independent School District (CISD) board meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the district's nursing model, which was altered in March. Parents and community members voiced their worries about the reduction of nursing staff and the elimination of the nurse coordinator position, emphasizing the potential risks to student health and safety.

The board had previously approved a budget amendment that cut the nursing staff to three registered nurses and eight vocational nurses. This decision has sparked widespread concern among parents, medical professionals, and community stakeholders, who argue that the changes could jeopardize the well-being of students, particularly those with chronic health conditions or disabilities. The resolution proposed by the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) aims to preserve the registered nurse model and the nurse coordinator role, highlighting their importance in providing comprehensive healthcare services across the district.

Parents expressed that the reduction in nursing staff could lead to inadequate responses to medical emergencies and a lack of support for students with complex health needs. One parent shared a personal story about her daughter's severe medical challenges, underscoring the necessity of having a fully staffed nursing team to ensure timely care and effective communication with families during health crises.

The ongoing measles outbreak in the El Paso region further amplifies the urgency of maintaining a robust nursing presence in schools. Stakeholders are calling for a full repeal of the recent budget amendment to align with best practices in student healthcare and ensure that all students receive the support they need.

As the district navigates these pressing health concerns, the board's decisions will have lasting implications for the community, particularly for families relying on school nurses for essential health services. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential actions to address these critical issues raised by parents and health advocates.