School board briefed on new state rule requiring notification after school‑connected overdoses
Summary
Board members reviewed a new policy (KGD) implementing a Virginia law that requires schools to notify the school community within 24 hours if a student has a school‑connected overdose; staff emphasized privacy protections and timelines.
Prince Edward County School Board members reviewed a new policy to implement a recent Virginia law that requires notification to the school community following a school‑connected overdose. A policy presenter explained that under the new KGD policy the division must notify "the whole body of the of that particular school that there was a student overdose" once the event is confirmed and that districts have 24 hours to issue that notice while still protecting student privacy. Why it matters: Board members and staff said notification requirements are intended to keep the school community informed about medical emergencies while balancing privacy. The policy will return for a formal vote in October. Details: The presenter told the board the notification must be handled in a way that protects the student's privacy and acknowledged that small communities can make anonymity difficult. A board member asked whether there have been overdoses in the past; staff said not that they are aware of. Next steps: The board will vote on the updated policies, including KGD, at the October meeting. Staff urged the public and city partners to review the proposed policy changes and submit questions if needed.
