Central to the board’s deliberations was Policy 5330, which mandates the availability of an opioid antidote in schools, especially for grades 9 through 12. While the policy currently lists the antidote’s use as “optional,” the consensus among several board members was to maintain this designation.

The availability of the antidote at school functions, such as dances and games, and the necessary training for staff members to administer it, was noted as of paramount importance. Kudos were given to Miss Brenda Gupta for obtaining grants for the antidote.

Parallel in priority was the management of students with diabetes and epilepsy. The board aims to ensure that trained personnel are on hand to cater to students, especially if a school nurse is not present. The emphasis was on training all staff members, even those in roles like bus drivers and lunch aides, to recognize symptoms of diabetes and seizures.

One board member noted their collaboration with a doctor to ensure appropriate medications are in place before a student’s reentry. The importance of keeping bus drivers and substitute teachers informed, while balancing privacy concerns, was also discussed.

Diving into the intricacies of diabetes management, the board acknowledged the evolution from traditional insulin injections to modern glucose monitoring devices. One board member, with personal experience with the condition, emphasized the need for further education and training.

Central to the policy is the establishment of individual health plans tailored to a student’s needs, defined by medical guidelines. The potential for embedding diabetes training into mandatory professional development was debated.

Another discussion revolved around high school graduation requirements. The board contemplated the removal of the “four-year high school” clause, paving the way for students who complete the 120 credits in three years to graduate earlier. After rigorous debate, the decision tilted towards focusing on the 120-credit requirement, sidestepping the traditional four-year mandate.

The meeting also touched upon the policies surrounding Dating Violence in schools, student smoking, and student journalism rights, among other topics. The board decided to schedule the policies for a second review on its October 19th agenda.