Board approves school physician amid debate and removes double‑lock requirement for Narcan

The Big Spring School District board approved the appointment of a school physician for the 2026–27 year after adopting an amendment to the proposed medical standing orders that changes how naloxone (Narcan) is stored and made accessible. Dr. Trisha Reed, director of student services, recommended the appointment and the standing orders; the motion included a stipend of $1,000 for the physician and a per-exam fee. Board member Julie Booth moved to remove a clause that would have required Narcan to be "always stored in a double locked cabinet in the nurse's office," arguing that current practice and on-site responders require easier access during athletic events and emergencies. The amendment carried and the main motion was approved as amended.

The debate covered training and liability: board members asked whether resource officers and athletic trainers carry naloxone and whether striking the double-lock provision would increase liability. Supporters, including a board member who identified as an EMT and firefighter, said first responders and trainers already carry Narcan and that ready access during off-campus athletic events or locked facilities would be safer. Administration representatives said the revised language would still limit administration to certified staff and trainers while allowing more accessible storage and cross-references to sports medicine agreements. The transcript records the fee for targeted student exams as "$15.10 per student exam" and a $1,000 stipend for the physician; the motion passed following the amendment.