School Board passes allergies policy

    The Clear Lake School Board voted unanimously Monday to adopt rules and regulations concerning a policy to address life threatening allergies.  Specifically targeted are peanut butter and peanut butter products in the schools.
    The district’s Wellness Committee came to the Board Monday with consensus on the policies it had been working on since October.  Committee leader Chryl Bergvig suggested the policy could be adjusted in the future, but said the group took its charge to protect all students very seriously.  
    “It is up to us to make sure every kid is safe,” said Bergvig.  “And I think we need to do all we can.”
    The policy is now in effect, but Bergvig noted it will take a few weeks to adjust menus and make other preparations for the change.
    The new policy states the school lunch program will not serve any food items that may cause a life threatening situation.  School officials stress medical documentation and an allergy action plan are required from parents.
    Under the new policy all homemade treats and food items are banned  from the school. All treats must be commercially prepared and packaged for distribution.  In addition, there will be designated tables for students and adults that bring cold lunches to school.  Food allergy students will sit at the hot lunch tables.  
    Whenever students travel on field trips, during the school day, sack lunches will be purchased by the students through the school food service when required for a field trip.  No other lunches will be allowed on the field trip.
    The Clear Lake School District currently has students identified with peanut allergies in all but one school building.  One of those students’ allergies is considered life-threatening.
    Officials noted the new policies also apply to other potential life-threatening allergens, such as latex.