St. Stephen’s needs a school nurse

I would like to take express my significant concern as a Warwick taxpayer, business owner and most importantly parent regarding the elimination of the school nurse position at St. Stephen’s school.
I reside in Warwick and have two children whom have graduated from St. Stephen’s and two who are currently attending. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the meeting on Aug. 21 - ironically because my two of my children were at their doctors being treated for eczema and asthma.
I am thankful for people like Eileen Patterson, Faith Fergeson and Miss Moccia for disseminating information and researching this frightening problem.
Though I know that the closing of Pine Island School created a legal loophole so that the Warwick School district does not have to provide St. Stephen’s with a nurse, it is felt that this decision was made irrationally and without careful consideration of the 250 students who attend St. Stephen’s.
Many students have severe medical conditions such as allergies, diabetes and other conditions that require them to take medication during school hours. Two of my four children have severe allergies and asthma. In fact, my son on many occasions had to be provided treatment for his asthma during the course of the school day.
When I called my pediatrician to discuss, he was astonished to find out that the district was taking away our nurse and advised me that if a nurse was not at school, I should make sure that I change my work setting so that I am available to pick him up at school and provide treatment if necessary.
I own a business that provides educational and therapeutic services to children. We pride ourselves in always putting children first and work very closely with families to assist our children who have medical needs.
It is embarrassing to me as a taxpayer and parent to admit that I reside is a district that does not care about all of our communities children.
Living in the Warwick community, homeowners pay very high school taxes. In addition reimbursements are received from outside districts to assist in compensation for a school nurse at St. Stephen’s.
I urge Dr. Bryant and the school board to reconsider and provide St. Stephen’s with a school nurse.
I truly understand state funding cuts as well as budget cuts and professionally have to make difficult cuts and decisions every day; however, I would never put children at risk.
This is quite unethical and unnecessary. It is hopeful that cuts can be made in other areas such as supplies and administrative overhead that do not directly affect any of or children.
I am confident that Dr. Bryant and the school Board will make the right decision.

Robin G. Seccafico
Warwick