APS Spokeswoman: No Citation For Nurse-To-Student Ratio

ANDOVER, MA — Andover was not cited by the state for not meeting the recommended minimum nurse-to-student ratio, a district spokeswoman said Wednesday. The district was named in a Boston 25 report, Tuesday evening. State guidelines recommend one full-time nurse per 500 students.

Rather than "citing" the district, spokeswoman Nicole Kieser said, the state recommended the district undertake a review.

“APS employs 12 registered nurses, two licensed practical nurses and two health assistants," Kieser said. "We have at least one full time nurse at each of our schools and our Director of Nursing is confident our nurses have the clinical expertise needed to care for the well-being of our students."

According to state data, the district has enrollment just under 6,000 students, making for less than 450 students per nurse, well under the maximum under state guidelines.

"The District was not “cited” as media has reported, Kieser continued. "In June 2018, the Department of Public Health recommended we review the ratio of school nurses to our student population. The District’s review is always based on DPH’s guidance of student health conditions, immediate availability of skilled professional nursing assessment and delivery of services, as well as rapid response to emergencies. APS nurses at all our schools are well trained and dedicated to our students’ care.”

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.