Superintendent proposes naloxone boxes on campuses and buses; staff to vet liability and grant funding

The DeSoto County School District is evaluating whether to place naloxone overdose‑response boxes on school campuses, in hallways and on buses, Superintendent Dr. Bennett said at the board meeting. Staff will vet liability concerns and the vendor before moving forward. Dr. Bennett said the district was contacted after a Duval County sheriff mentioned a relative who works with a group that writes grants to provide these kits. He said the vendor would write grants to obtain the equipment and that the district would provide the product placement if a grant is awarded. “We have to make sure we don’t have any liability,” Dr. Bennett said, asking a staff member to examine the device and the vendor. He directed staff to evaluate where the boxes would be sited; he suggested placing them wherever AEDs are currently located and on school buses and field locations. Dr. Bennett noted legislators had loosened certain restrictions and said, “if that would save 1 life in the next few years, it’s absolutely worth it.” He asked staff member Cole to test a unit after the meeting and report back on any policy or liability issues. Next steps: staff will inspect a unit, evaluate liability and policy implications, and report to the superintendent and board before any purchase or deployment.