Committee backs HOPE curriculum for Westby schools, approves $34,000 budget request

The Vernon County Opioid Prevention and Steering Committee on June 11 approved a $34,000 request to fund a HOPE opioid‑prevention curriculum for Westby Area Schools, beginning with 11th and 12th grade students.

Steve Michaels, superintendent of Westby Area Schools, outlined a proposed spiraling HOPE curriculum intended to return to key prevention concepts across grade levels. Michaels said the initial delivery would cover about 10 lessons and serve roughly 90 seniors and 90 juniors, split into small groups for the sessions. "The group discussed average age of use being 14–15 years," Michaels said, explaining the district’s focus on upper‑grade delivery where students face more freedom and exposure.

Officer William Roesler described lesson plans and student surveys that would measure the curriculum’s impact. Roesler said the officer would refer students to school staff when disclosures occur and that he would decline to lead sessions if that would not be in students’ best interest. Committee members discussed including alcohol in the curriculum given local drinking rates and ensuring appropriate school‑based supports for disclosures.

The proposed $34,000 budget was calculated at 17 weeks × 40 hours/week × $50/hour, according to Michaels. Some county staff members were not present at the time of the vote; Kristen Kleiber suggested approval pending confirmation by the absent administrative coordinator. Dr. Martha Karlstad moved to approve the request and Kristina Reser‑Jaynes seconded; the minutes record the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: school and county staff will finalize scheduling and evaluation plans; the committee will follow up on implementation and potential expansion to younger grades if the curriculum shows positive results.