Key Takeaways
- The California Board of Registered Nursing is seeking disciplinary action against two Fresno Unified School District nurses.
- Nurse Lydia White is accused of gross negligence in the February 2022 death of 11-year-old Elizabeth Gonzalez after failing to call 911.
- White also faces a separate allegation involving a 10-year-old student with a broken wrist.
- Former acting health services director Xai Elizabeth Torres is accused of failing to conduct a thorough investigation after the death.
- An administrative hearing for White is scheduled for Aug. 18; a date for Torres has not been set.
The California Board of Registered Nursing is moving to discipline two Fresno Unified School District nurses over allegations of gross negligence and incompetence linked to incidents from more than four years ago. The cases include the death of an 11-year-old student who suffered a severe asthma attack on campus.
Allegations Against Nurse Lydia White
According to the board's accusation, school nurse Lydia White recognized that Elizabeth Gonzalez needed emergency medical care in February 2022 but did not call 911. Instead, the student was released to a family member. A family member said, "As soon as she got in the car, she started sneezing. That's when her lungs had collapsed. When a child is struggling, they should automatically call 911."
The board alleges White's actions constituted gross negligence. She also faces a separate allegation from weeks earlier involving a 10-year-old student with a broken wrist. That student received an ice pack but was not properly assessed before leaving the health office.
Case Against Former Health Services Director
The second disciplinary case involves Xai Elizabeth Torres, former acting director of Health Services for Fresno Unified. The board alleges Torres failed to conduct a thorough investigation after Elizabeth's death. According to the filing, Torres concluded that White had acted appropriately without reviewing hospital records or interviewing Elizabeth's family or medical providers.
Parent Concerns and District Response
Parents in the district say the case has shaken their confidence. Irene Segura, whose children attend Fresno Unified schools, said she worries about their safety every day. "Just sending my kids to school every day, I'm standing by the phone all day long," Segura said. She added that one of her children now feels anxiety about visiting the school health office, in part because the same nurse remained at the school after Elizabeth's death.
Fresno Unified School District declined to comment, citing pending proceedings. Board Trustee Susan Wittrup said in a statement: "Out of respect for the family and any ongoing investigations or legal proceedings, I will not speculate on specific facts. But I remain committed to pursuing transparency, accountability, and all reforms necessary to better protect the children of Fresno Unified."
Local California Context
This case centers on Fresno Unified, one of California's largest school districts, and the California Board of Registered Nursing, which licenses nurses statewide. The administrative hearings will determine whether White and Torres face suspension or revocation of their nursing licenses. White's hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18 at 9 a.m.; no date has been set for Torres.
Background
Elizabeth Gonzalez died in February 2022 after suffering a severe asthma attack at school. The incident prompted calls from family members for clearer emergency protocols in school health offices. The board's accusations come more than four years after the events, following a lengthy review.
Conclusion
The upcoming hearings will test whether the nursing board's allegations hold up. For Fresno families, the case is a reminder of the need for clear emergency procedures and accountability in school health services. The board will decide whether license discipline is warranted.