SHAC recommends CATCH curriculum to meet Tucker law opioid-education requirement

The School Health Advisory Council recommended that Del Valle ISD adopt a CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) curriculum to meet the stateb9s 2023 "Tucker law" requirement that districts provide opioid-awareness instruction, including the dangers of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

Nikki Biddings and staff said the CATCH curriculum is peer-reviewed and ready to deploy; three middle schools would receive the material free through a grant that covers the curriculum through 2029. High school, early-college high school (ECHS) and the opportunity center (OC) would incur a modest annual cost (staff said roughly $99 per campus per year) for districtwide access unless covered by other funding.

SHAC presented an implementation plan that includes approximately 10 hours per year of instruction; middle schools will integrate shorter advisory lessons (15–20 minutes) regularly rather than concentrate lessons in Red Ribbon Week. High school and alternative sites will incorporate lessons into adjusted schedules. Staff said training and links to temporary curriculum examples are available to trustees and that rollout will begin as soon as implementation plans are finalized.

Trustees received the SHAC recommendation as an information item; the board will consider formal adoption when staff return with implementation details and any required expenditures.