July 17, 2026
More than 100 school nurses and school health leaders gathered at Region 4’s McKinney Conference Center on July 17 for a full day of professional learning, networking, and practical strategies to support student health and success.
Recognizing a growing need for summer professional learning designed specifically for school nurses, Region 4 developed the School Nurse Conference to bring together professionals from a variety of educational settings. The inaugural event reflects Region 4’s ongoing commitment to supporting school health professionals through high-quality learning opportunities and meaningful collaboration.
“We have private school nurses here. We have charter schools, we have nurse administrators, district school nurse leaders, and campus-level nurses,” said Brandy Bowlen, Region 4 Coordinator of School Health. “We wanted to take into account everything that they need . . . and make sure we provide that for them.”
With 111 attendees registered for the conference, Bowlen said the interest reinforced the importance of creating professional learning opportunities designed specifically for school nurses. “This year, there were no school nurse conferences in our area during the summer, so I feel very happy that we were able to fill that role for them and provide this opportunity.”
Designed for Today’s School Nurses
Throughout the day, attendees selected breakout sessions covering professional documentation, leadership development, emergency preparedness, student health legislation, care for students with complex medical needs, and other topics addressing the unique responsibilities of school nursing. Participants also earned continuing education credit while connecting with colleagues, industry partners, and vendors.
Building Community Through Connection
For keynote speaker Loree Lachance, owner of Lachance School Health Strategies, conferences like this offer more than professional learning—they remind school nurses that they are part of a larger professional community.
“I was told one time it’s the loneliest nursing job you will ever have,” Lachance said. “I hope this conference gives school nurses the ability to take one step forward and feel like their voice matters.”
Voices from the Field
Attendees echoed that sense of connection and shared learning.
“I love conferences,” said Lacy Green, Nursing Coordinator II for Houston ISD. “I love any time to get education and talk to other nurses in other districts to get perspectives and ideas that I can bring back to my school district.”
Green also emphasized that school nursing extends far beyond treating illnesses. “We do whatever we can to keep students in class, learning to the best of their abilities,” she said. “We work with almost every department in a school district to make sure that happens.”
Investing in Student Success
Ultimately, the conference was about investing in the professionals who help students thrive every day.
“As our school nurses gain new knowledge, experiences, and collaborative relationships, they’ll take those back to their campuses,” said Ken Culbreath, Director of Region 4’s Office of Emergency Management and School Safety. “A healthier student is more prepared to learn, and the more prepared students are to learn, the more success they’re going to have.”
As Region 4’s first School Nurse Conference concluded, participants returned to their campuses with new knowledge, professional connections, and practical strategies to support healthier school communities. The inaugural event also established a new annual opportunity for school health professionals across the region to learn, collaborate, and strengthen the critical role they play in student success.
To learn more about Region 4 School Health Services, upcoming professional learning opportunities, technical assistance, and resources for school health professionals, visit the Region 4 School Health Services webpage here.