In a pivotal meeting on September 22, 2025, the Georgia Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools highlighted the crucial role of licensed school nurses in addressing student absenteeism. The committee underscored that school nurses are not merely providers of first aid but are essential in identifying at-risk students and collaborating with families and school teams to tackle underlying issues.

During the session, it was revealed that only 37% of Georgia schools have a full-time nurse available daily, leaving many students without immediate access to health care. With a total of 2,243 public schools in the state, only 1,478 have a licensed nurse present during school hours. This shortage raises concerns about the health and well-being of students, particularly in rural areas where hiring qualified nurses is challenging.

The discussion also touched on the difficulties in attracting nurses to school positions due to compensation issues. Many nurses prefer hospital jobs, which often offer better pay, leading to a high vacancy rate in school nursing positions. The committee acknowledged the need for improved support for school health programs and emphasized that every child deserves access to a licensed school nurse.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members expressed gratitude for the insights shared and recognized the importance of addressing these staffing challenges to enhance student health and attendance. The next steps will involve gathering more data on nurse vacancies and exploring solutions to ensure that all Georgia students have access to essential health services within their schools.