Peanut butter is creating a very sticky situation for school districts these days.  
    Clear Lake, like many other schools, is in the process of defining a  “life-threatening allergies” policy.  Last week the School Board approved the policy, but it has not yet heard a recommendation from the district’s Wellness Committee for rules and regulations to be included in the policy.
    “Our Anchored in Excellence Mission Statement says we will provide a safe and caring environment for students, parents and staff.  We have to do as much as we possibly can to make the schools a safe place,” said Chryl Bergvig, assistant high school principal and leader of the Wellness Committee formed last year.
    “Nationwide, life-threatening allergies have become an increasing problem in the last few years.  Now, about 15 to 20 percent of students have them,” added Bergvig, noting experts attribute the rise to environmental changes.
    Peanut allergies are among the most critcal, she said.  
    There are students with peanut allergies enrolled in Clear Lake Schools, including one for which it is a life-threatening condition.
    “There is a difference between an allergy which results in a break-out or skin irritation and an allergy which is life-threatening,” said Bergvig.  Life-threatening conditions demand immediate response.
    Bergvig said she and committee members have been receiving comment from the public as they have studied the life-threatening allergy topic.  The 15 member Wellness Committee is comprised of school staff, including medical personnel, physical education instructors and cooks, as well as parents and students.
    Clear Lake resident Norm Froiland spoke to the School Board recently, urging members to keep peanut butter on the school menu.
    Froiland said he believes if the child, parents and school staff are aware of a life-threatening allergy condition, safeguards can be put in place to protect the student.  
    According to Bergvig, the elimination of peanut butter from the school lunch program would mean the loss of three desserts made for students in grades kindergarten to 12th crunch bars, monster cookies and peanut butter cookies.  At the high school, peanut butter is also used in ala carte offerings.
    The “Prudence Law” is guiding the decision the Wellness Committee is working toward, said Bergvig.  That law basically states all entities must take all steps possible to protect the public.  
    “From that legal standpoint, we must do all that is possible to keep our district as safe as possible.  As we continue to study the life-threatening allergy issue, we are keeping that in mind.”
    Superintendent Dwight Pierson said he anticipates the Wellness Committee will give its recommendation on the issue to the Board in January.  He said the goal of the committee is consensus; when that is reached, the committee will recommend rules and regulations for the policy.