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Committee advances bill to pay qualified school nurses at teacher base salary
Summary
Representative Davis said HB 1675 would require LEAs to classify qualified school nurses as licensed personnel and pay them at a teacher's base salary to improve recruitment and retention; fiscal comparisons in three districts estimated per‑nurse costs from about $3,141 to $17,374. The bill advanced to full education (6 ayes).
Representative Davis told the subcommittee HB 1675 would ensure school nurses who hold an RN license, a bachelor's degree and national certified school nurse certification are paid at a teacher's base salary.
"I think that they're highly qualified individuals," Davis said, arguing the change will help recruit and retain nurses in districts. The sponsor cited a fiscal comparison showing the cost to increase pay for nurses in three sample districts ranged "anywhere from $3,141 to $17,374 per nurse."
Members clarified whether the bill is permissive or mandatory; Chairman Sopiki noted the bill requires LEAs to classify qualifying school nurses as licensed personnel for salary purposes and that the minimum salary discussed would affect local matching requirements and district budgets. After discussion the committee voted to send HB 1675 to full education (6 ayes).
