Thank you to the Delegate for this bill. It is critical that language be added to include the permissible use of funds for these at risk programs be restricted to a designated account to include a list of qualified providers for selection and decision-making by the parents or caregiver in support of VA Code 1-240.1. First choice to use these funds should be in order based on school divisions consistently performing in the lowest academic percentile across the 131 school divisions. For example in the Richmond City public school division the Superintendent is recommending the closing of the virtual school as well as taking away summer school for children in grades kindergarten through 8th. These 2 recommendations are a significant barrier for too many children who need access to programs like a virtual school or even summer school to ensure they thrive academically. It is unconscionable that a Superintendent would make a recommendation of this caliber and as such I implore this body to restore the right of the parent and restrict at risk program funding use for the parent's decision-making.

I tried to sign up to speak on these bills. VASS supports HB195, HB332, HB785 and HB1171 Dr. Tom Smith

I am a nationally board certified school nurse and was awarded the honor of VASN School Nurse of the Year in 2024. I am a product of the public education system in Virginia. I am the daughter of a teacher who is currently in her 50th year of teaching. Most importantly to me, I am a mother of two children attending public school in Virginia. When my own child was struggling with complications from medications, I felt comfortable sending my child to school because I knew there was a nurse on site if something terrible were to happen. Professionally, I have been involved in countless situations where my ability as a nurse to navigate difficult conversations has benefited the entire IEP and 504 teams, including parents and students. When another school nurse comes to me with doubts, I like to remind them "If we can walk a family through the death of their loved ones, we can walk them through this." When considering the dedication of funding, we must consider the cost/benefit. School nurses are shown to have an overall net gain of $2.20 for every $1 spent on nursing services (Wang, L., et al., 2014). Historically, nurses have proven their value and benefit to schools. Starting in 1902 when Lillian Wald and Lina Rogers reduced school absenteeism by 90% by providing nursing care in schools, and continuing today through the Covid-19 pandemic when school nurses remained steadfast in their commitment to enhancing access to education, school nursing must remain a priority for our communities. At a time with strong opinions and concerns over vaccine safety and medical autonomy, school nurses can provide objective education to staff and families. We can bridge the gaps to keep children in school, provide staff with guidance, and act as a buffer to the already overburdened education system. Thank you, Christine Tindall, BS, RN, NCSN

Voices for Virginia's children supports HB195. This bill acknowledges that student thriving involves multiple-levels of support. Specifically, the bill allows for the hiring of registered nurses to better support students' health and mental health. Finally, HB195 targets students with the greatest need. For these reasons, Voices supports this bill.

We support this bill. We know kids with medial complexities face incredible challenges safely attending schools, and we want schools to have access to using any available funds to meet the needs of these students who have the right to be there, but who can only do so with appropriate medical care and oversight.

I am writing in support of HB195. It would help students receive more support by schools to optimize their learning.

Lisa J. Johnson, BSN, RN 01/25/2026 House Bill 195 represents a paramount investment in Virginia’s at-risk students by recognizing that academic success is inseparable from physical and mental health. By expanding allowable uses of at-risk funding to include registered nurses, especially those with mental health expertise and advanced practice training, this legislation addresses a long-standing gap in school-based support. For many vulnerable students, school is the most consistent point of contact with a healthcare professional. Access to qualified nurses who can assess needs early, provide mental health support, and connect students to appropriate resources has the power to change life trajectories. HB195 moves beyond short-term fixes and instead builds a sustainable framework that equips students with healthier coping skills, emotional regulation, and preventative care that supports both learning and long-term wellbeing. As a registered nurse, I have heard repeatedly from school nurses across our Commonwealth about the inadequacies they face when trying to meet student needs with only the most minimal, legally required resources. Budget constraints often force nurses into a reactive role addressing crises rather than preventing them, while mental health concerns go under-supported or unaddressed altogether. HB195 offers a meaningful solution by allowing increased and more flexible funding to support appropriately trained nursing staff who can truly fulfill the scope of their professional role. This bill empowers school nurses to do more than “get by”; it enables them to guide the next generation toward healthier lifestyles, stronger coping skills, and improved academic outcomes. In doing so, HB195 affirms that caring for at-risk students is not optional; it is essential.

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