With pleasure I wish to nominate Mrs. Julie Lindley for the 2013 Bammy Award. Currently, Mrs. Lindley is Director of Health Services and Physical Education in the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District in Grapevine, TX where 13, 350 students attend school.
Upon arriving to the school district in her role as director, Julie developed and implemented functioning school clinics. Equipment such as blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, audiometers, eye charts and the basics for first aid to the students were purchased for each clinic. In addition, guidelines and policies were generated to provide continuity of care in the school health clinics for all students.
Of recent, in view of national tragedies and events, Julie has assumed the role of Director of Emergency Management and has undertaken a near non-existent emergency management plan and developed the school district’s Emergency Management plan. In assuming the role of Emergency Management Coordinator for the district, district and school administrators, school staff, after school day care employees and bus drivers have received training in managing emergencies. Annual training in emergency preparedness will be instituted at each campus.
In leading school nurses of the district, school nurses were required to be trained as CPR/First Aid instructors. With this certification, school nurses now train staff in CPR and First Aid. Through the efforts of the school nurses under the leadership of Julie, there are an increase number of district employees such as coaches, PE instructors, administrators and school staff who have attained CPR and First Aid training. School nurses now incorporate monthly to quarterly drills concentrating in the area of disaster and collapsing staff due to possible heart attacks and other medical complications. Through Julie’s efforts, all schools have a minimum of one automated external defibrillator (AED) and coaches are required to have an AED at each of their sporting events.
Julie has developed and implemented a comprehensive program for school nurses, and health and physical education teachers for the school district. Through her leadership, students are assured adherence to state mandates of physical education. In addition, Julie chairs the School Health Advisory Council.
Julie has collaborated with organizations such as Lion’s Club, the Colleyville Area Chamber of Commerce and CONNECT to increase awareness of the districts near 28% disadvantaged student population. Through collaboration, students who qualify can receive assistance of eyeglasses, school supplies, and clothes. Julie demonstrates teamwork as evidenced by a Back to School event this past summer prior to the beginning of the school year where identified disadvantaged students receive a backpack, clothes voucher to purchase clothing, required immunizations, health services from the county hospital, and assistance with applying for free and reduced meals.
In summary, in coordinating health and PE services and as Emergency Management coordinator for the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School district, Julie assures a healthy environment for students and staff. In assuring a healthy environment and through cooperative efforts with area agencies, there is increased opportunity for the students to be successful with their education.