The Marshall County Safety Committee received some updates from fellow school superintendents, probation, police, and emergency management.
Triton School Superintendent Donna Burroughs stated that her school’s response to the news of the death of a fellow student was swift. With the availability of receiving news rather immediately through social media, almost all of the students knew about the news within the hour. Superintendent Burroughs said they didn’t want to wait until Monday to offer comfort so administrators opened the school so students could be in the comfort of their peers to grieve together. She said about 150 students were at the school that day to support one another. She added that counselors were also available on Monday to assist students with any needs.
Indiana State Police Trooper Jason Faulstitch discussed the possibility of schools obtaining Narcan to administer to students in the event of an overdose. He noted that students could ingest several prescription medications or other opiates and not experience any effects until they arrive on school grounds. The effect could include an overdose. School nurses could be trained on how to administer the drug along with other administrators and teachers. It is no longer given by injection but rather a nasal spray. Faulstitch said that the use of Narcan prior to the arrival of an ambulance could mean life or death. It could be available to schools free of charge.
Juvenile Probation Officer James Pheibush said juvenile violence cases are at the highest level he’s ever seen. He hopes to visit all of the schools soon for a meet and greet.
Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery discussed school emergency plans, and the different types of road condition levels that could come into play during the winter season. He also urged athletic directors and coaches to be weather aware during the fall and spring seasons.
Culver Community Elementary School Principal Erin Proskey provided an example of how one county is streamlining emergency plans. That outline will be discussed at the next Marshall County Safety Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 9 a.m.
