Board approves policy to allow staff to carry and administer naloxone for suspected opioid overdoses

The Board of Education approved a third-reading update to Policy J ECB permitting district staff and designated designees to carry and, when authorized, administer naloxone and other overdose-reversing medications to someone reasonably believed to be experiencing an opioid overdose on school property.

Grace Wilson, director of legislation and policy, said the policy revision was requested by the superintendent to reflect the opioid epidemic and to allow a chief student- and system-supports officer or their designee to authorize students or staff to carry and deliver the medication in emergency circumstances. Several members voiced support, thanking community advocates noted in the record for their work on the issue.

Board vote: The superintendent recommended approval subject to final corrections; the board adopted the policy on final reading.

Implementation: The district will finalize policy text and follow existing health and safety protocols for training, storage, and administration. Board members framed the policy as a safety measure designed to preserve life while the district coordinates any training and medication-storage procedures.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the formatting and distribute guidance on authorized personnel and administration protocols prior to implementation in school locations.