Hollie Smith, the Director of Health Services for the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District (EMS ISD), has been elected as the new President-Elect of the Texas School Nurse Organization (TSNO). In this role, Smith will serve a two-year term before transitioning to the position of TSNO President.  

Smith's election to this leadership position comes with additional responsibilities, as she has also been selected to serve as a member of the Texas School Health Advisory Committee (TSHAC). TSHAC assists the Texas Department of State Health Services in supporting and coordinating school health programs and services across the state. The committee also provides leadership in identifying and sharing best practices and resources for school policymakers.  

As President-Elect, Smith's main goals include ensuring the success of TSNO's annual conference for school nurses and serving as a student-centered voice for the organization during legislative sessions. She is excited about the opportunity to learn more about TSHAC and have a voice in the committee's work.  

"What excites me the most is being able to learn more what TSHAC does, and having the ability to also have a voice, and maybe be a little voice of reason sometimes," Smith said.  

Smith's election and appointment to TSHAC underscore her dedication to advocating for the well-being of students and the crucial role of school nurses in supporting student health and academic success. As the Director of Health Services for EMS ISD, Smith is a strong believer that every student deserves access to a school nurse.  

"In EMS ISD, we are able to provide a school nurse on every campus, which is not the case for all school districts in the state of Texas," Smith said. "I just really believe that every student deserves access to a school nurse, and I wish that legislation would be able to fund school nurses across the state, so that all students can benefit from having a nurse on their campus."