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Parent urges Rockwall ISD to review heat-stroke prevention after student cases
Summary
A parent urged the board to review coach training, strength-conditioning oversight and athletic-trainer coordination after media reports of two youth heat-stroke cases; the commenter said he was denied district reports in 2023 and 2024 and offered to assist with training.
Steve Horowitz, a parent who gave his address to the board, urged Rockwall ISD trustees to review how the district prevents heat-related illnesses in student athletes following media reports of youth heat-stroke cases.
Horowitz said news accounts convinced him to speak and that heat stroke "should never occur," citing one child in Tennessee on a ventilator and another child in Texas in a coma. He said the incidents included a January 2024 case and expressed concern that similar events should be preventable.
He requested the district review coach education and the presence and qualifications of strength-and-conditioning specialists at high schools, and said there should be good communication between athletic trainers and strength-and-conditioning staff. Horowitz also asked whether the district has oversight—similar to a concussion oversight committee—specifically for heat-related illness prevention.
Horowitz said he requested a report from Rockwall ISD twice, in 2023 and 2024, and "was refused twice," and that as a parent and a continuing-education instructor on the topic he had offered his assistance to the district.
The board received the public comment during the designated public-comment portion of the meeting; no formal action was taken in response during the meeting.
Quote: "Heat stroke should never occur... That should just not happen," Horowitz said. "I was so disturbed the first time that I heard it. ... I requested information about the report made, and I understand you cannot disclose kids' names... But I was refused twice. I was refused in 2023 and I was refused in 2024. That's inexcusable."
