Certified school nurse warns board that cuts to health services risk student safety

A certified school nurse told the Community Unit School District 200 Board that recent budget-driven eliminations of 10 full‑time health services positions will reduce access to nursing care for students with complex medical needs and could endanger student safety.

"These changes are not simply staffing adjustments. They are directly affecting the district's ability to safely meet the needs of vulnerable students," Samantha Sullivan said during public comment. Sullivan, who identified herself as a certified school nurse working in District 200, described responsibilities that include developing individualized health plans, managing medication safety, training staff on medical procedures and providing emergency-response leadership.

She said the reductions will require her to split time between two schools and be out of her building two days a week. Sullivan estimated her building serves roughly 50 students in self‑contained elementary classrooms with significant medical needs and about 350 general‑education students who rely on daily health services.

"When nursing services are stretched beyond safe capacity, risks to students increases," Sullivan said, urging the board to reconsider the staffing decisions and fully evaluate safety implications before finalizing cuts.

Board members did not debate the staffing decision during public comment; district staff and board agenda items later addressed budget adjustments and a personnel report that included multiple employment and retirement items.

The board takes public comment as part of its meeting practice and does not usually respond during the comment period; Sullivan's remarks were recorded in the meeting minutes and will be part of board materials for further consideration.