Forest Hill student urges broader CPR/AED training, recommends elective and staff requirements

Eliza Keller, a junior and student school board representative from Forest Hill High School, told the Jackson Public School District board that the district’s proposed cardiac emergency response policy should do more than require schools to file plans.

Keller said the policy “states that each school shall have a cardiac emergency response plan on file in the principal office” and that plans must include training for “licensed coaches, school nurses, and athletic trainers.” She recommended adding CPR and AED training as an elective embedded in physical education courses and asked the board to require basic CPR/AED training for staff who interact with students frequently, including coaches, band staff and those who supervise after-school activities.

Keller presented survey results she collected from students and teachers. “Only 3 out of 15 people say they are prepared for a cardiac event,” she said, and reported that most respondents supported embedding CPR/AED instruction in PE or offering it as an elective.

Board members and district leaders asked questions and raised implementation points. Board President Doctor Seback and Superintendent Doctor Green praised Keller’s work and noted cost and prioritization concerns; Seback asked whether AED acquisition or training should come first. Keller said AED placement — for example, adding devices on an upper floor where none currently exist — was a priority at Forest Hill.

Deputy Superintendent Michael Cormack, who later presented related assessment and program items, and other board members referenced the district’s broader responsibilities to ensure staff training and device placement across large campus footprints. Board members suggested a geographic approach — placing AEDs by building zones or floors — to balance cost and response time.

Keller recommended policy language changes: establish CPR/AED instruction as an elective tied to PE, ensure courses are taught by certified instructors, and add staff with regular student contact to the district’s emergency response team.

Board members thanked Keller and said her presentation would prompt follow-up by district staff. Doctor Green and board members indicated the policy will be examined along with budget and logistics for training and AED deployment before any formal changes are adopted.

Keller’s presentation occurred during the student board report portion of the meeting; the board asked several operational questions but did not take action on the policy at this session.