School nursing staff described the scope of services they provide and the effect of staffing reductions on daily operations.

Lindsay Ross, a district school nurse, summarized the profession using the National Association of School Nurses’ definition: “School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances in academic success.” Ross said the district currently employs eight registered nurses (RNs) and 10 LPNs, with two LPNs functioning as district float nurses.

Ross told the board the certificated contract includes a negotiated ratio of 1 to 1,550 students for RNs, but most nurses are “in overload” — she reported being assigned about 1,700 students across three campuses. Ross recited recent annual figures submitted to OSPI for the 2024–25 school year: total student enrollment 12,908; health-room visits 42,540; students with life-threatening conditions requiring emergency action plans 709; total medications on campuses 904; hearing and vision screenings over 5,000; accident reports 649; and 111 medically fragile students.

Board members asked whether staffing declines were tied to levy funding; Ross and administrators confirmed the number of LPNs had fallen (from 13 LPNs last year to eight this year) after levy funding was not renewed, and that the administration sometimes reassigns staff midyear only when necessary because it disrupts continuity of care.

Administrators and board members said additional reductions would increase liability and strain office and principal staff who often assume delegated health-related tasks. No formal action was taken; the board asked that nursing staffing be part of Nov. 10 levy option planning.