By the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

PHILADELPHIA–“The District made the right decision by not outsourcing the services of certified school nurses. Unfortunately, Philadelphia has a severe shortage of nurses that needs to be addressed immediately.

“Over 100 certified school nurses were released four years ago by the District, jeopardizing the health and safety of thousands of schoolchildren. The District’s budget for these nursing positions still hasn’t been restored. The District made the crisis even worse this school year by failing to fill 20 school nurse vacancies.

Philadelphia serves a large number of medically fragile schoolchildren from low-income households. In many instances, school nurses are their primary source of healthcare.

“Reversing course on a privatization scheme is a start, but our children deserve much more. The PFT will continue to call on the District to ensure that every child in every school has access to a full time certified school nurse.”