One School, One Nurse Act of 2025

This legislation would create a new grant program at the U.S. Department of Education to help every elementary and secondary school have at least one full-time registered nurse. School districts or state–district partnerships could apply for competitive, 5‑year grants to recruit, hire, and keep school nurses and to meet recommended nurse‑to‑student ratios. Lawmakers note that full‑time school nurses can boost attendance, improve immunization rates, and better support students with chronic conditions.

Grant funds could be used to hire nurses, turn part‑time roles into full‑time, raise pay to retain staff, and maintain nurse‑to‑student ratios. Within 12 months, the department must set recommended ratios, define what counts as “full‑time,” and offer guidance and technical help. Grantees must report each year on progress, including staffing data by race, ethnicity, and gender. Priority goes to high‑need districts and programs that aim to hire nurses from underrepresented groups.

Key points

• Who is affected: Students and families; public schools; school districts and state education agencies, especially in high‑need areas.
• What changes: New competitive grants; applications must show nurse shortages and student health needs, include a plan to sustain positions after the grant, and focus on recruiting from local communities and underrepresented groups; annual reporting on progress.
• When: The program and rules must be set up within 12 months of enactment; each grant lasts 5 years.