Kershaw School District presents first reading of Seizure Safe Schools policy to comply with 2024 state law

Becky Dolan, district staff member, presented a first reading of a proposed Seizure Safe Schools policy, JLCG, and related revisions to individualized health-care policies to the Kershaw School District Board of Trustees.

Dolan told the board, “I'm here to present for a first reading a new proposed seizure safe schools policy, JLCG, and discuss proposed revisions to policies JLCDA, JLCDA r, individual health care plans, and JLCD b use of life saving medications.” The presentation described steps the district would take to comply with the Seizure Safe Schools Act enacted by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2024.

The district will implement an annual seizure-training program for school personnel; develop individualized seizure action plans integrated into students' individualized health-care plans; and ensure administration of prescription seizure medications by trained staff. Dolan said training will follow guidance from organizations such as the Epilepsy Foundation and “may be virtual or in person,” and that completion will be documented with certificates.

Dolan told trustees the policy draft assigns primary responsibility for medication administration to school nurses and requires that “in the absence of a nurse, at least 1 other trained employee will be designated to administer or assist with seizure medications.” She said seizure action plans will be developed “in collaboration with the parent guardian and their healthcare professional,” and IHPs (individual healthcare plans) will be reviewed annually or as the student's condition changes.

Board member “Coach” asked whether athletic trainers would be covered; Dolan replied that "the trainer is usually 1 of the people the nurse will train to assist with that medication if they need it as well," and that all staff will be trained to recognize and respond to seizure activity.

The presentation noted the statute's effective date of July 1, 2025, and a planned rollout that would begin when staff return for the 2025-26 school year. Trustees did not vote on the policy during the meeting; Dolan closed by inviting questions and discussion.

The proposal is before the board as a first reading; further action was not taken at this meeting. The board will consider additional drafts and implementation details, including training schedules and documentation requirements, before a final vote.