The Burleson Independent School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 11 approved the district’s concussion oversight team for the 2025–26 school year and heard plans to expand evidence-based concussion management across campuses.

Doctor Chris Smith, introduced at the meeting as "Head Athletic trainer for Burleson ISD," told trustees the district reorganized its sports medicine program, identified a head athletic trainer, and began baseline testing of student athletes using Sway Medical at Burleson High School. Smith said baselining helps staff compare post-injury results against a pre-injury benchmark and allows clinicians and physicians to share test scores.

"When it comes to our concussion protocol, one of the first things I noticed, when joining the district is that we weren't baselining our student athletes," Smith said. "Starting at BHS, we began Sway Medical. It's been successful in helping us accurately diagnose potential concussions. And from there, we're able to share test scores, not only with the student athlete and their parents, but directly with the physicians."

Smith described a return-to-play approach that emphasizes individualized, evidence-based rehabilitation including cardio rehab, vestibular activity and focused reaction drills performed in the Athletic Training Room to limit instructional time loss. "Now we can get a kid back safely in half the time while still monitoring their symptoms," Smith said.

Kevin Ozi and other district staff outlined the oversight team membership and responsibilities under Texas Education Code 38.153, which Smith cited as the statutory reference enabling local oversight. The board voted to approve the concussion oversight team membership for 2025–26 by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Board materials presented the oversight team as including Dr. Chris Smith, campus nurses, athletic trainers and partner physicians from Lone Star Orthopedic and other clinics. Trustees emphasized keeping students in the classroom when safe and noted parental input would be included in individualized plans.

The approval establishes the oversight structure and authorizes staff to implement the return-to-play protocol and the baselining program across campus athletics.