On November 8th, we received a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in response to the group complaint we filed on behalf of Parents United for Public Education regarding the shortage of nurses. In the letter, the state indicates that it will investigate the lack of nurses specifically related to students with disabilities by reviewing current staffing plans and conducting onsite visits. The Department of Education further states that it is not responsible for investigating this complaint related to non-disabled students and places that responsibility with the Office of Student Services. The state is also referring the matter to the Department of Health. The letter does not indicate if the department has any plans to meet with parents or advocates during its investigation. Please continue to report nursing shortage issues through www.myphillyschools.com to keep the pressure on the state. Click here to read the letter.
For more information on the complaints project, click here.