Board flags proposed do-not-resuscitate policy for further review

During the board’s review of policy advisories, a proposed do-not-resuscitate (DNR) policy drew concern and prompted board members to request additional study before the board proceeds to a second reading.

Policy presenter Stephanie Grant summarized the advisory material and read the policy-services guidance to the board: “Accordingly, district officials and employees must not accept nor retain do not resuscitate orders presented by parents or physician,” she said, characterizing it as a sensitive policy area that districts may handle differently and urging careful discussion before adoption.

Several board members said the change raises weighty legal and operational questions — principally, how school staff should respond during an emergency and how the district would verify or reconcile a DNR if one exists. One board member said such a policy was unprecedented in the district and that it would warrant a longer, separate discussion. The presenter said policy services has provided the model language to districts where the issue has arisen and recommended discussing it in detail before any adoption.

The board did not adopt the DNR policy at this meeting. Members asked for more information and time to review the advisory language and possible legal implications before the matter returns for formal consideration.