John O'Connell High School community demands funding for nursing services

In a passionate plea for better health support in schools, several San Francisco educators and students urged the school board to release funds for nursing services during a recent meeting. Susan Ryan, co-principal of John O'Connell High School, highlighted the critical need for school nurses, emphasizing that many underserved students are struggling without adequate medical care.

Ryan pointed out that the district's budget office has withheld funds earmarked for nursing services, leaving schools like O'Connell, Galileo, and SF Academy without essential medical support. "We can't achieve student outcomes without addressing health disparities in our schools," she stated, stressing the increased mental and physical health needs following the pandemic.

Students echoed these concerns. Henry Cruz, a junior at John O'Connell, shared his frustration about the lack of a school nurse, stating that injured athletes are often sent home without medical attention. Deidreana Lomax, a resident physician, read a comment from another student who missed significant school days due to untreated medical issues.

Lizbet Caleros, the wellness coordinator at John O'Connell, expressed her struggle to manage multiple roles without nursing support, stating, "Our families deserve better." She called for collaboration with community partners to fill the gaps left by the district's nursing vacancies.

Rebecca Flores, a former family liaison, underscored the inequity of not providing nursing services to schools serving historically underserved communities. "Having a vacant nurse position is not inequitable, but not releasing funds for those positions is," she asserted.

The collective message from the community was clear: immediate action is needed to ensure that students receive the health care they deserve, which is vital for their academic success. The board's decision on this matter could significantly impact the well-being of students across the district.