Nurses, parents and community members urge Beloit board to retain director of school health; critics cite open-meeting concerns

At the School District of Beloit board meeting Oct. 7, school nurses, the district’s director of school health and dozens of emailed commenters urged the board not to eliminate the director of school health position, saying the role is essential to student safety, Medicaid reimbursement and staff training.

Speakers at the meeting told the board that the director performs clinical functions that cannot be delegated to nonmedical administrators. “This role directly supports student safety, compliance, and the daily well‑being of students and staff,” Michelle Bevelleas, who identified herself as the incumbent director, told the board, adding that she oversees Medicaid billing, runs customized health reports and coordinates districtwide emergency drills.

The comment was echoed by current and former school nurses. “Eliminating…