Public records show that some Coral Springs schools are operating without full-time nurses on campus
Coral Springs, Florida – New public records reveal that not all Coral Springs schools have full-time nurses on staff, raising questions among parents and community members about student health coverage. Broward County Public Schools confirmed that dozens of schools across the county now function without a full-time nurse, though the exact list was not initially shared.
A public-records request submitted by TAPinto Coral Springs on Nov. 5 shed light on which local schools are affected. According to the latest district document, two elementary schools in Coral Springs do not currently have a full-time nurse: Coral Springs Elementary and Eagle Ridge Elementary. The information reflects a broader shift in the district’s approach to school health staffing.
District officials emphasized that students with specific medical needs are still receiving appropriate care. “Any student identified as requiring skilled nursing assistance has a nurse assigned to them to ensure care is provided appropriately, consistently and in accordance with the student’s documented medical needs,” the district said in a statement released in November.
While the lack of a full-time nurse at some schools may concern parents, the district clarified that every campus without a nurse still has trained staff members who can provide basic medical support. Each school is required to have at least two staff members capable of responding to minor injuries and emergencies. In more serious situations, 911 will be called.
“This school year, the district transitioned to this staffing model to more efficiently allocate resources while continuing to prioritize students’ healthcare needs,” the district’s statement said. “This is the same health care staffing model used by the district prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Parents who would like additional information about this change or wish to discuss their child’s health care needs may contact their school administration.”
The change has stirred discussion among families who worry about how quickly children can access medical attention during the school day. Some parents say that having a full-time nurse provides reassurance that any sudden illness or injury can be addressed immediately. Others understand the district’s reasoning, acknowledging budget constraints and the challenge of staffing every school with a full-time nurse.
Broward County Public Schools has confirmed that a total of 49 schools in the county operate without a full-time nurse, though the district has not released the full list. Officials insist that the new model is safe and mirrors staffing practices that existed before the pandemic, when schools faced similar resource limitations.
Experts note that trained staff members can provide basic first aid, manage common medical conditions, and identify emergencies that require professional medical care. However, advocates argue that the presence of a dedicated nurse helps with ongoing care, medication management, and chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes.
For Coral Springs families, the recent disclosure serves as a reminder to review their child’s school health plan and ensure the administration is aware of any medical needs. School staff are expected to coordinate with parents when a student requires skilled nursing care, ensuring there are no gaps despite the absence of full-time nurses at certain campuses.
As the school year continues, parents and district officials will monitor how the new staffing model impacts student health services, hoping that emergency response and day-to-day care remain consistent and effective.
