Wakefield school nurses urge restoration of float nurse and creation of district nurse leader

Carrie Melanson, speaking on behalf of the Wakefield Public School nursing staff, told the School Committee on Jan. 13 that the district had removed a previously budgeted float nurse position and does not have a dedicated district-level nurse leader. "Removing the float nurse position and operating without its dedicated school nurse leader compromises our ability to meet state mandates, provide safe emergency response, and ensure equitable care across all schools," Melanson said.

Melanson detailed student medical needs and coverage shortfalls, telling the committee the district serves more than 3,500 students and about 600 staff, and listing students who require EpiPens, asthma medication, seizure rescue medication, diabetes care, individualized health plans and daily scheduled nursing care. She said daily visit counts range from about 20 to more than 60 depending on the school and that for the current year the district experienced dozens of unfilled coverage requests. "This data makes it clear that the float nurse was not a luxury, it was essential," she said.

The nurses urged the committee either to reinstate the float nurse position (previously funded in the 2025–26 budget) or to establish a part-time or full-time school nurse leader whose primary role would be districtwide oversight rather than daily building coverage. Melanson and the nursing staff proposed possible funding sources including using the already-budgeted salary to restore the float nurse, exploring Medicaid reimbursement opportunities tied to House Bill 545 and future CHS grant cycles, or pursuing a partnership with Melrose Wakefield Hospital.

Committee members thanked the nursing staff for their presentation and requested follow-up. Member Pete (liaison) and others asked Superintendent Dr. Lyons to bring the issue to appropriate subcommittees for review and to include it in budget discussions. Dr. Lyons acknowledged the request and indicated the concerns could be routed to labor and finance subcommittees and the budget process for further work and reporting back.

The committee did not take formal action during the Jan. 13 meeting; members signaled they would seek additional information through subcommittee processes and the budget cycle. The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 27, when follow-up items could appear on the agenda.