As a parent to a medically complex child in the New Hanover County (NHC) public schools, having a dedicated full-time nurse is invaluable to her care and ability to receive her education in a safe environment. The absence of a full-time nurse jeopardizes her well-being and places an undue burden on teachers and school staff, who are ill-equipped to act as medical professionals. This is a dangerous and unacceptable scenario. Stretching our nurses to the max as they travel to multiple schools daily greatly reduces their ability to perform their duties effectively - leading to potential, avoidable harm.

New Hanover County is home to many children with varying medical needs who rely on the expertise of a school nurse for daily medical management and emergency interventions. By cutting these essential positions, our schools are not only risking the safety and health of these students but also compromising their right to an equal education.

Our schools previously employed a team of dedicated nurses who provided crucial services to all students, ensuring that our most vulnerable children were cared for throughout the school day. These nurses played a pivotal role in maintaining the health and safety of our school environments, allowing educators to focus on teaching rather than medical care.

For the sake of our children's health and education, I urge the New Hanover County Commissioners to propose and approve a budget amendment that will allocate the necessary funds to reinstate all school nursing positions immediately. Ensuring the presence of a full-time nurse in each school is not just beneficial but essential for the well-being of our students.

By taking prompt action to restore these positions, we will be investing in the safety and future of our community's children. Join me in calling on our local government to prioritize the health and safety of students and reinstate the school nursing positions in New Hanover County. Please sign this petition to show your support for this crucial initiative.