A group of parents and a Smithfield High senior told the Isle of Wight County School Board the Nursing Aide program has been without a certified instructor for more than six weeks, creating uncertainty about students’ ability to complete certification and earn credentials.

Shannon Shiflett, a parent, said, “Students have now been in school for over 6 weeks without a certified instructor to teach the Nursing Aid program.” She said the gap has hurt students who planned to earn a professional certification this year and that community and media outreach had been pursued to help resolve the staffing shortfall.

Student perspective: Senior Kirsten Price, who is enrolled in Nursing Aide II, told the board the program has mattered to her and to classmates and that the vacancy has left students “at a loss.” She said she has continued to attend and help first-year students but worries about completing the certification she had planned for her senior year.

Why it matters: Students said the class gives practical training and confidence for careers in health care; families said the delay threatens those credentialing pathways and students’ near-term plans. Parents and students asked the district for transparency about hiring progress and whether students will still be able to complete required clinical and certification elements this school year.

Board and staff response: Board members acknowledged they had heard the concerns and said district staff were working behind the scenes to recruit an instructor. The board asked for clarity about the current status and next steps. No formal vote or new funding was proposed during the public comment segment.

Clarifying details: Parents said two previous instructors had left, and that students have waited roughly six weeks for a permanent hire. The parent urged transparency and action so students could complete certifications; students said substitutes and temporary supports had been used when available. The district said recruitment continues.