Date of Award
Fall 11-11-2025
Document Type
Dissertation (799 registration)
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Ximena Suarez-Sousa
Keywords
Naloxone, opioid, public schools, statute implementation, social institution, superintendent
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact, for public school district stakeholders, of the July 1, 2023, Minnesota (MN) statute stating that all school buildings need to keep available two doses of nasal Naloxone (defined in section 604A.04, subdivision 1, in compliance with section 151.37, subdivision 12). This will be measured from the perspective of MN public K-12 school superintendents.
The opioid overdose death epidemic is one of many epidemics impacting the educational system. In 2020, the opioid overdose death rate in the United States had increased by almost 30% in one year (Alexander & Hall, 2023). Eighth graders across Minnesota report inappropriate use of prescription painkillers at a higher rate than freshmen and juniors in a 2019 survey (Drug Overdose Dashboard, 2023). This research was conducted using a pragmatist research lens, supported by a mixed-method design. The methods of data collection included 1) an electronic questionnaire distributed to all Minnesota superintendents made up of 576 school districts, 2) an environmental scan that included document analysis (i.e., public communications shared to superintendents from key agencies regarding this statute), and 3) in-person interviews with a self-selected group of superintendents. The results provided facilitators (i.e., community services, policy template, effective communication), and barriers (i.e., lack of understanding the problem, lack of knowledge of resources) to implement the Minnesota legislation regarding nasal Naloxone. Also identified, personal (i.e., parent) and contextual factors (i.e., proficiency with local and state government) of superintendents potentially impacting implementation.
Recommended Citation
Rydberg, Lisa, "SUPERINTENDENTS’ ABILITY TO MEET A NALOXONE STATUTE: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY DURING A MINNESOTA OPIOID OVERDOSE DEATH EPIDEMIC" (2025). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 1070.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/1070