The Tolland School District board on Monday moved to recommend that the superintendent hire one licensed practical nurse to improve school nursing coverage and reduce expensive substitute staffing. The motion passed by roll call with all members present voting "Aye."

Superintendent Doctor Willett said the district had reduced nursing positions during last year’s budget process and that the remaining two LPNs must cover four school buildings in addition to the required registered nurses. "This was a mistake," Willett said, describing how sub coverage costs have risen and how nurses now average roughly 80 visits per day across buildings. He told the board rehiring an LPN would likely cost the district about $36,900 this fiscal year and roughly $48,000 in a full year, but that subs are already driving up expenses.

Multiple board members urged prompt action after hearing both staff and student accounts of pressure on the nursing staff. Several trustees noted that registered nurses are required in each building and LPNs serve as critical onsite backup; without sufficient coverage the district risks delays in care and elevated transport and outplacement costs.

The formal motion — "Recommend to the superintendent the hiring of one LPN for the town public schools" — was made and seconded and passed in a roll-call vote: JP, Dana, Bill, Elaine, Mackenzie, Jaden and Chair Val Chien all recorded "Aye." The board moved the item from discussion into board action and approved the recommendation for the superintendent to implement.

The superintendent said he will include the position in next year’s budget proposal for the board to consider during the budget cycle. The board did not vote on where the salary would be funded beyond Willett’s explanation that, operationally, rehiring an LPN should reduce the district’s overrun on substitute lines.