School-based clinics and school nurses; direct State Department of Education to establish minimum standards and salary schedule.

SB 2502 requires Mississippi public school districts to establish school-based clinics with at least one on-site nurse for every 750 students, beginning July 2026. It directs the State Department of Education to create minimum salary guidelines for school nurses based on their education and experience, which all districts must use when hiring. The bill also transfers administration of the school nurse program from the Department of Health to the Department of Education’s Office of Healthy Schools, standardizing clinic operations and nurse responsibilities. This directly affects school districts, nurses, and students by mandating consistent health services and compensation structures.