Board OKs adding Narcan language, debates who may be trained to administer EpiPens and other medications

District staff presented updates to health-related policies that would add guidance on medical marijuana in schools and include a section authorizing opioid-antagonist supply and administration (Narcan). The change was prompted by incidents elsewhere and by the need to equip schools to respond to opioid overdoses.

"This update is for medical marijuana," a staff presenter said, adding that a Raleigh County case had prompted inclusion of medical-marijuana language. The staff presenter also noted an added section on opioid antagonist supply administration: "That's the Narcan," a board member replied when the topic came up.

Board members signaled support for Narcan being included. They also asked whether EpiPen (epinephrine) administration and training should be part of the policy and whether the district had capacity to train bus drivers, aides, secretaries and transportation employees. Staff and personnel leads said nurses would continue to be primary administrators but the district could designate "qualified school personnel and school transportation employees, including bus drivers," and would need to ensure training and clear pay or role rules.

Members emphasized legal and labor limits: several board members said bus drivers could be trained but could not be mandated to administer medication or required to accept extra pay in ways inconsistent with their contracts. Staff suggested making training available and optional and discussed pay bumps for aides/secretaries who complete training. The board agreed to include Narcan and to canvass training logistics, then move the item forward in the policy review process.