Parent urges Preston County Schools to find nurse for Aurora after child’s diabetes diagnosis

Makayla Green, a parent of a 5-year-old student at Aurora School, told the Preston County Board of Education on Sept. 8 that the school’s lack of a full-time nurse has forced her to leave work and provide repeated, hands-on diabetes care for her daughter during the school day.

“I was shocked to discover that Aurora does not have a nurse,” Makayla Green said. “What is more detrimental, paying a bit more to require a nurse or a child getting seriously hurt or, god forbid, dying because they can’t get medical care in a reasonable time?”

The board and superintendent acknowledged the shortage during a lengthy public comment period and described ongoing efforts to recruit nursing staff and to expand interim contract options. Superintendent Brad Martin said the district is actively advertising RN and LPN positions but faces a competitive labor market.

“We literally do not have the staff to move there at this time,” Martin said. “The second we would get someone hired, we would allocate a nurse at Aurora.” He said timing and the sudden nature of the need — the district learned about some cases only weeks before school started — have complicated placement.

District officials and the assistant superintendent outlined two near-term strategies: continuing direct recruitment of RNs and LPNs and contracting through third-party staffing vendors. Assistant Superintendent Angie Varner said the district is posting countywide positions and pursuing vendor partnerships that can provide substitute or contracted nurses; she also gave the board example contract rates the district would pay through a third-party vendor if a contractor is used.

“An LPN would be $65 an hour, and an RN would be $75 an hour,” Varner said, describing vendor quotes the district is pursuing.

The board approved an MOU with Maxim Healthcare Services to expand the district’s pool of available nursing staff. Board members emphasized that the contract approach costs more than hiring directly but can provide immediate coverage while the district continues local recruitment. The vote to approve the Maxim MOU passed 5–0.

Board members and community speakers urged the district to press state leaders for longer-term solutions, including supplemental funding or a levy item that could support salary supplements for nursing positions. Several speakers noted that pay and benefits (including rising PEIA costs) are factors that make it difficult to attract health-care workers to school positions.

The superintendent said he and district staff will continue to pursue direct hires, try to contract interim coverage where needed, and follow up with the board with any developments. The board also received a confidential update in executive session about an Aurora School personnel concern; no action was taken and Martin was directed to report back.

What’s next: The board approved the Maxim Healthcare MOU at the Sept. 8 meeting and asked the superintendent to continue aggressive recruitment and report back on staffing and any contract placements.