Board reviews first reads of field trip, materials and medical policies and procedures

The Garrett County Board of Education heard first readings of multiple policy and procedure updates and took no formal action; all items were presented for information and scheduled for action at a future meeting.

A presenter on behalf of Mr. Edwards explained the primary procedural change for field trips: request and approval will move from a paper form to TripFinder, an online platform, to match current practice. Mark Green summarized revisions to the materials distribution policy and procedure to conform to the board’s updated policy format and to add a purpose, scope and responsibilities pulled from existing material.

Updates to vision and hearing screening were presented to align district screening with guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Health, and to reflect screening for children entering at age three, parent/guardian permission processes, and follow‑up referral communication. Mrs. Aiken presented medical policy changes: the emergency epinephrine policy was revised to reference epinephrine delivery devices generally (not only EpiPen) and to add stock bronchodilator use per recent legislative changes; procedures outline collaboration with the Garrett County Health Department, standing protocols, self‑administration when authorized, and post‑intervention documentation.

The updated medication administration policy clarifies delegation to certified medication technicians (CMTs), the nurse’s oversight role, storage, labeling, disposal and required documentation. Board members asked about device availability, training sign‑offs for staff and bus drivers, placement of stock devices for field trips, replacement cycles, and how allergen information will be communicated; presenters said nasal epinephrine devices had been received from the manufacturer, nurses provide initial and refresher training and sign‑offs, and menus will eventually display allergens.

All five items were first reads; the board will consider formal action at the next meeting.