Norman Public Schools has reduced drug and alcohol-related suspensions by 40 percent after receiving a $150,000 opioid abatement grant from the state.
The Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board awarded the grant last year, allowing the district to implement a new multi-tiered support system focused on prevention, education, and recovery.
“This grant allowed us to take a different approach, one that focuses on prevention, education and recovery instead of simply punishment,” said Superintendent Nick Migliorino. “Our students are more than the mistakes they make, and it is our job to give them the tools and support they need to make better choices and succeed in school and in life.”
Director of Counseling Kitrena Hime spearheaded the effort, introducing prevention lessons across all schools and creating a dedicated accountability staff member to monitor students’ grades, attendance, and progress. “We have to meet students where they are and be a safety net and resource for families,” Hime said.
The results were clear: substance-related infractions fell from 212 in 2023 to 109 in the 2024-2025 school year. Middle school cases dropped 58 percent and high school cases fell 30 percent. Suspension time was also cut from 10 days to five, helping students stay on track academically.
The funding came from Oklahoma’s opioid settlement dollars, distributed through the Opioid Abatement Board, which supports local prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives across the state.
