Some Schools Will Get Money From Opioid Settlements—But It Won’t Be Easy

The Slow Road to Opioid Settlement Funds

Some school districts are gearing up to receive cash from recent settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. But let’s be real—it’s not going to be a walk in the park to actually get that money.

District leaders and experts have pointed fingers at major companies like Purdue Pharma and McKinsey. Retail pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens also bear some blame. They all played a role in the opioid crisis, forcing schools to bump up expensive special education services and overdose-prevention programs.

Many districts have banded together in class-action lawsuits against these big players, pleading for billions in compensation. Despite the urgency, schools face tremendous hurdles in extracting meaningful funds from these settlements. Sara Whaley, a research associate at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, keeps tab on opioid settlement funds and advocates for effective use of these funds.

“Sure, it sounds like a lot of money,” Whaley explained, “But when you break down how much actually goes to a school system, it’s just not much.”

Court Battles and Uncertain Futures

In Florida, the state attorney general is pushing hard to block hospitals and the Miami-Dade school district from claiming any settlement cash. Meanwhile, in Oregon and Rhode Island, designated school districts are left in the dark about how much they will receive, or even how to start the application process.

Adding to the confusion, many states continue to pursue their own lawsuits. This lengthy process may stretch on for years. Just last October, McKinsey hinted at negotiations with districts and local governments, but they haven’t tied anything up yet, lawyers note.

For example, the Minnetonka district in Minnesota is still eagerly waiting for a verdict in a lawsuit alongside other districts against several pharmaceutical companies that contributed to the opioid mess. While they wait, Minnesota state lawmakers passed legislation last year allowing a $300 million settlement with four pharma giants, including Johnson and Johnson and McKesson. Unfortunately, this prohibits any legal action against these companies going forward, leaving schools like Minnetonka high and dry.

“We believe schools face unique challenges due to the opioid crisis,” said JacQui Getty, a spokesperson for the district. “Ignoring this reality isn’t the way forward.”

The Fight for Funding

Dozens of districts are still in the fight for their share of the settlement pie. Their lawyers argue that schools are crucial players in the battle against the opioid epidemic.

“Schools could be the main heroes in tackling this opioid crisis,” said Wayne Hogan, a civil trial lawyer representing several districts across the country. “Every time a district saves a kid’s life, that kid stays in school and avoids the criminal justice system. It creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone.”

Impact of the Opioid Crisis on Schools

The opioid epidemic has blown up into a public health emergency across many communities. In 2021 alone, more than 80,000 Americans lost their lives to opioid overdoses, including tragic cases tied to fentanyl.

Schools are feeling the heat on multiple fronts. Opioid addiction during pregnancy can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome. This condition increases the risk of long-term developmental disabilities in kids and skyrockets costs for special education. Additionally, school staff are now tasked with spotting signs of opioid misuse among students and developing robust prevention programs.

Understanding the Landscape of Opioid Litigation

The national scene for opioid litigation is super intricate and filled with twists and turns. Here are some key points to wrap your head around:

In the last two years, all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, have struck deals with McKinsey. This consulting firm pushed marketing efforts for opioids hard. Many agreements prevent anyone in the state—even school districts—from suing McKinsey down the line about related issues. The lump sum here? A mind-boggling $50 billion. McKinsey maintains that their settlements resolve claims from municipalities and school districts.

On top of this, states like California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have settled multi-million dollar lawsuits with pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens.

Over 60 school districts have raised their voices in lawsuits directly addressing how the crisis affects their special education budgets. Each state has its own game plan for distributing the settlement funds, according to Whaley. For instance, in North Carolina, all funds go straight to local governments. Other states follow a default model where 15 percent heads to local governments while the rest is managed by a state-appointed committee.

Bright Spots Amid the Challenges

Even with all the red tape, there are a few glimmers of hope for schools. Districts nationwide can apply for a huge $25.5 million in grants to improve special education services. This funding comes from bankruptcy court proceedings related to Purdue Pharma.

In Maine, a settlement with McKinsey stipulates that 3 percent of the $130 million will flow into special education in schools. Boise and West Ada school districts in Idaho are among the districts set to receive a slice of that pie.

Whaley and her research buddies urge state lawmakers and officials involved in allocating these funds to focus on racial equity and evidence-based methods for tackling the opioid crisis.

“Sure, it’s tempting to just fund another ‘say no to drugs’ initiative. But what’s trickier is actually planning strategically when resources and time are tight,” she said. “If we don’t address this intentionally, those in power will just stick to their old ways.”

The Role of Schools in Addressing the Crisis

Schools should not just focus on academics amid a minor crisis. The ultimate goal must be about well-being and holistic learning. Research shows that working on relationships and understanding how students learn is key in this process. We call this “contextual literacy.” It’s about knowing the personal and cultural backgrounds of students.

Making change happen can be tough. But think about this: a school may have teachers who genuinely care and include diverse students, but if their teaching styles don’t resonate with the culture, students will struggle. Striking the right balance between mental health and curriculum requirements can seem overwhelming. But it’s crucial to focus on both relationships and an effective teaching method. Otherwise, progress will stall.

While some argue that the status quo serves only the elite few, here’s the reality: not many people truly benefit from the current system anymore. Strategies applied for over the past 50 years have often failed. Even those wanting change struggle to genuinely impact the system and outcomes;

Embracing the Road to Change

The pandemic spotlighted the fact that teachers, parents, and students are more aware of external factors affecting schools. With effective leadership, this awareness can spark a movement towards real change. However, without true understanding, it risks becoming a fragile structure—with decisions made without real insight.

Even student perspectives on school differ greatly. For some, it’s not a mandatory place enforced by parents, while for others, it can be a crucial safe haven. Teachers often find themselves worrying about students’ well-being before jumping to conclusions about “learning loss.” Unfortunately, policymakers keep their eyes glued to state tests, overlooking the pressing need for well-being and new learning methods.

Simple Steps toward Breakthrough Change

Here’s the bottom line: Change demands urgent action. Society is teetering on the edge of various crises, from social issues to climate change. And while genuine transformation is hard, it’s not impossible. You just need to hit the ground running!

Here are a few suggestions to kickstart meaningful change:

1. Recognize that systems are tough to change, even when there’s a demand for it.
2. Focus on relationships and pedagogy linked to students’ culture for a solid chance at success.
3. Stay attentive—neglecting the cultural connection could jeopardize progress.
4. Integrate fun learning opportunities with academics. Stay away from slipping back into obsession with grades.
5. Don’t trade deeper well-being objectives for simple improvement in academic performance.
6. Build connections beyond school, with communities, businesses, and important global issues. Your relationships matter!

There’s a journey ahead in tackling the opioid crisis, but together, schools can secure a better future for students. It starts with understanding, smart planning, and collaborative action!