Trustees adopt SB 629 at YISD

The Yoakum ISD board of directors approved a policy update Monday that places lifesaving drugs like epinephrine or naloxone on school campuses across the district.

These drugs act as opioid antagonists and can be used to save the life of someone who looks to experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose. Part of the recently passed SB 629 by the Texas Legislature, the policy change comes as Texas and the nation wage an all-new drug war against the lethal substance known as fentanyl, which can quickly kill with even the tiniest of amounts.

Drug cartels are said to manufacture those drugs in Mexico, which are finding their way across the border in ever greater quantities especially as the nation’s borders lie largely unguarded ever since the change of residents at the White House.

When it comes to that drug, in particular, counteractants need to be administered almost as soon as someone exhibits signs of drug overdose. Waiting until the paramedics arrive can often prove too late, even for those who may have unwittingly ingested just a trace amount of the stuff.

Staff members must be trained in administering the counteractant drugs before they are granted access to them. They will be made available on campuses that deal with students in grades six through 12.

“The policy is given by TASB (Texas Association of School Boards) and they’ve recommended it to us,” Superintendent Tom Kelley said. “Our RN has the policy, and we’ll proceed forward to follow it. Our nurse has seen the policy and she’s comfortable with it.”

In other business at the Dec. 11 meeting:

• The tax accessor reported collections of $8.1 million in maintenance and operations, and $4.4 million in interest and sinking.

• Student enrollment is currently at 1,477 students. Last year at this time, enrollment was at 1,510 students.

• Award day at the junior high (grades six through eight) is scheduled for Dec. 21.

• The Primary Annex will hold its Pre-K and Kindergarten Christmas program on Dec. 19.

• In public comments, Tanner Carson presented an offer of $130,000 to the board for YISD’s acquisition of their property at 916 Boyle St. YISD board members took note of this.

• A total of 2,179 plates were served during Thanksgiving. Yoakum ISD noted their appreciation for every cafeteria staff member.