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Calexico board approves California National Guard drug‑prevention program for schools
Summary
Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with the California National Guard’s Drug Demand Reduction outreach to provide age‑appropriate drug‑prevention presentations at district schools March 28–June 30, 2025; Staff Sergeant Rodriguez described curriculum options and emphasized early education.
The Calexico Unified Board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with the California National Guard to provide drug‑prevention presentations and activities across district schools from March 28 through June 30, 2025.
Staff Sergeant Rodriguez of the California National Guard presented the Drug Demand Reduction (DRO) outreach program to trustees, describing a suite of curricula — including DARE and Thrive Positive Action — that are age‑tailored for students from kindergarten upward. He said the program is provided pro bono and includes short, age‑appropriate lessons (as little as 15 minutes) for early grades, plus longer sessions and physical‑education components for older students.
Rodriguez framed the program as prevention‑focused: "If we could prevent one tragedy, if we could, you know, change the mind of one student who may be thinking of doing this either now or at one point in their future lives, then it's been successful," he told the board. He added that the Guard also trains DARE instructors and can provide community and parent outreach.
Director of Community Schools Alex Lemon participated in the presentation and emphasized the district partnership with the Guard. Trustees approved the MOU by voice vote after the presentation; the Guard will deliver the program at no charge to the district, according to the presentation.
The MOU authorizes the Guard to present age‑appropriate drug‑prevention curriculum and activities at district sites and establishes the district‑level partnership to schedule and coordinate lessons and assemblies.
