COLUMBIANA — Certain school district officials now are armed with the ability to administer naloxone in the case of suspected opioid overdose upon Columbiana school property, after a lengthy board meeting Tuesday night.

According to Columbiana school district superintendent Don Mook, specific personnel have received the training to administer the reversal drug if need be in accordance with state laws.

Naloxone, also known by brand name like Narcan, is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain to block the effects of opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl and prescription painkillers. This can result in quickly restoring normal breathing and consciousness in someone experiencing an overdose.

While the nasal spray is the most common form, especially for non-medical personnel administering it, there is an injectible that can be administered intravenously.

The effects of naloxone are only temporary, lasting 30 to 90 minutes; therefore it is crucial to always seek emergency services after its administration.

The school board also voted to contract with state auditor’s office to provide the annual financial statement for the fiscal year ending in June 30, 2025.

In other action, school board members:

— Approved resignations of Carlie Beech, teacher, effective Aug. 20; Amy Witherstin and Anna Deger, both cook/cashier, effective at end of last school year.

— Employed Beth Heaton and Kenijo Wood as cook cashiers; Wood and Kelly Paloski as bus drivers; Emily Aikens as a long-term substitute at the elementary school;

— Approved Judy Sturgeon as middle school Academic Challenge advisor.

— Approved the following substitute support staff: Veronica Cal, Kelly Sauerwein, Kelley Quigley, Autumn Howell, Doug Wilson and Paula Uram.

— Hired the following athletic game help for the upcoming school year: Barbara Baughman, Lisa Malcomson, Barbara Morgan, Cindy McCoy, Jim Morgan, Jennie Passmore, Tim Passmore, Anita Webber, Ashley Morgan, Bonnie Wilkinson, Karla King, Abbie Passmore, Nancy Tirpak, Jim Webber, Sheila Milano, Bonnie Steeb and Holly Zeh.

— Accepted volunteers Kenny Wilson, athletics; Crystal Kelly, band; and Joshua Boggs, cross country.

— Approved cafeteria pricing for the 2025-26 school year as follows, 50 cents for a serving of milk; $2.90 for elementary student lunch; $3.10 for middle and high school student lunch; $3.95 for adult lunch; $1.25 for all student lunches and $1.40 for adult lunches. There is no charge for students qualifying for reduced lunch during the upcoming school year.

— Approved an agreement between the district and the Columbiana County Educational Services to participate in Project Inspire beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025.

— Approved the membership of district in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference for upcoming school year.

— Abolished an elementary teaching position vacated by Rebecca Cuff per the Reduction In Force negotiated agreement with the teachers’ union as a result of declining enrollment.

The next regular meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the high school media center.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com