January 8, 2026
Quick recap
The team discussed regional staffing updates and challenges, including open positions and recruitment strategies across various regions. Implementation of SB12 was a major focus, with discussions centered on consent forms, opt-out processes, and their impact on participation rates in drug and alcohol education programs. The conversation ended with updates on organizational changes, including new website access and personnel additions to support ongoing operations.
Next steps
Summary
Regional Staffing and Compliance Updates
The team discussed regional updates and staffing challenges. Lakeysha reported a resignation and is seeking a replacement, while also working on monthly reports and an implementation plan due on the 15th. Kendra shared that tobacco compliance checks have become more manageable this year, likely due to better integration and understanding of the process. Cindy mentioned filling two out of four open positions, including a new tobacco compliance coordinator, but still has one position open for a Regional Alignment Coordinator. The team discussed the difficulty of finding staff due to budget constraints and competing offers from other employers.
Recruitment Strategies and Compensation
The group discussed recruitment strategies, with Erin and Cindy noting they use Indeed and LinkedIn, while Cindy also mentioned Monster and ZipRecruiter. Lakeysha suggested using Indeed's candidate filtering features and college job boards. Noelle shared her experience implementing creative compensation packages at a previous nonprofit, including an unlimited vacation model and additional benefits to attract candidates, which helped increase employee retention.
SB12 Consent Form Implementation Challenges
The meeting focused on staffing updates and challenges related to implementing SB12, particularly regarding consent forms and opt-out processes. Leandra from Fort Bend Regional Council reported positive staffing progress but anticipated a 50% drop in participation due to new consent requirements for 16-year-olds. Shelly, representing Region 5 Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council, shared that while some districts stopped services midstream when SB12 was enacted, they managed to maintain operations through education and communication with schools about their non-medical role. Both regions discussed the transition from opt-out to consent-based forms and expressed concerns about the impact on participation rates in the spring semester.
Drug Consent Requirements for Schools
Fort Bend County Regional Council (FBRC) explained that Fort Bend ISD requires consent forms for any drug or alcohol-related presentations, while other districts like LCISC have less stringent requirements. FBRC described creating a booklet with pre-approved permission slips for various presentations, noting that elementary opt-outs were common in previous years. Terrance reported that HISD implementation varies by school, with some waiting for TEA compliance updates before proceeding, while other districts like Spring ISD have been more supportive.
SB12 Implementation Challenges Discussed
The group discussed challenges with SB12 implementation, including declining participation in classroom programs and increased requests for alternative activities. Tiffany noted that while some schools are requesting fewer presentations, there has been an increase in alternative activities and events. Lakeysha raised concerns about potential new competitors offering shorter curricula that align with recent legislation, suggesting that HHSC may need to review expectations for future grants. The conversation ended with Noelle announcing changes to the meeting structure and website access, introducing Anna as the new ASAP employee who will help manage these changes.