Research shows that one reason children from low-income homes often struggle in school is unaddressed health issues.

Virginia’s At-Risk Program focuses on impediments to learning that low-income students face, such as large class size; SB33 would allow it to address their health issues. It would make the hiring of registered nurses by public schools eligible for funding under the At-Risk Program to support the physical and mental health of at-risk students.

The bill responds to a recommendation of the School Health Services Committee, set up by the General Assembly to advise it on what health services schools should provide, and is an important step toward the goal of making Virginia’s schools among the best in the nation.