During a recent Miami Dade County School Board meeting, a series of passionate testimonies from students and educators highlighted urgent calls for improved student health and well-being in schools. Advocates from the Poweru Center for Social Change presented a unified front, urging the board to prioritize mental and physical health resources in the upcoming budget.

Educators and students alike emphasized the critical need for full-time, non-discretionary nurses in every school. One teacher, Jose M. Consuegra, shared alarming anecdotes about students lacking basic medical care during school hours, stating, \"We are failing our students at the most basic of levels.\" The absence of dedicated nursing staff was described as a significant barrier to student health, with many students forced to leave school for minor injuries or health issues that could be managed on-site.

Students also voiced concerns about the lack of comprehensive health education, particularly regarding sexual health and hygiene. Kiara Lakaudi, representing the reproductive justice committee, advocated for the establishment of period pantries in schools to provide essential hygiene products, noting that many students miss school due to inadequate access to menstrual supplies. \"Nearly one in five students have to go home due to their periods,\" she stated, underscoring the need for systemic support.

The testimonies also addressed the broader implications of school safety and mental health. James George III called for a policy change to limit the presence of weapons among school resource officers, arguing that militarization does not equate to safety. He referenced past incidents where armed officers failed to protect students during emergencies, advocating instead for a focus on mental health resources and restorative practices.

The meeting concluded with a collective plea for the school board to align its budget with the expressed needs of students and educators. Brittany Frizell, a community organizer, urged the board to listen to the voices of young advocates, stating, \"You all name a commitment to student health and well-being... yet prioritize funding police officer gear over full-time nurses and school pantries.\"

As the board prepares for its budget discussions, the testimonies from this meeting serve as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for a supportive and health-focused educational environment in Miami Dade County schools.