May 7 marks National School Nurse Day, a time to recognize the essential role school nurses play in supporting student health and learning. In the Kent School District (KSD), one of the leaders at the helm of our health services is Lyndy Baron, Director of Coordinated Health Services, who is celebrating 30 years with the district.
Lyndy’s journey into school nursing began straight out of college, inspired by peers in her nursing program who had found purpose and fulfillment in the school setting. She started her career at Kent Junior High School and Kent-Meridian High School, and in the summer of 2019, she stepped into her current administrative role.
Today, Lyndy oversees a team of 25 registered nurses (RNs) and six licensed practical nurses (LPNs) across the district. Together, they manage school health rooms, provide critical training for health techs, and facilitate first aid and CPR classes for all of KSD. Her department also collaborates with community partners to host immunization clinics, ensures compliance with evolving state and OSPI policies, and works closely with principals and district leaders to align health services with student needs.
Over the years—and especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic—the role of school nurses has changed significantly. Today, school nurses are deeply involved in the case management of individual students. Communication is also key to supporting students effectively. The KSD Health Services team works diligently to provide accurate and timely health information through the district website and ensures that school nurses and health techs follow consistent policies and procedures. “Look to your school nurse as a resource,” Lyndy said.
If there’s one piece of advice Lyndy could give to every student, it’s this:
“Advocate for yourself when it comes to your health. It’s a lifelong lesson that will serve you well into adulthood.”
As we celebrate National School Nurse Day, we thank Lyndy Baron and the entire KSD health services team for their unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to student well-being. Their work makes a difference every day—in every classroom, for every child.