Lake County school board secures student accident insurance excluding football coverage

During the recent Lake County School Board Workshop held on May 5, 2025, significant discussions centered around student safety and health policies, particularly regarding insurance coverage and medication administration in schools.

One of the key topics was the school board's decision to purchase student accident insurance for all students, which provides secondary coverage for injuries. This insurance is designed to help cover deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, with the notable exception of American football players. Parents of football players will need to seek additional coverage through other vendors if they wish to insure their children for football-related injuries. This decision highlights the board's commitment to student safety while also addressing the unique risks associated with certain sports.

The workshop also included clarifications on medication policies within schools. Changes were made to ensure that all prescription medications must be stored in their original containers and that non-prescription medications can only be administered for three consecutive school days. This clarification was necessary to resolve previous confusion regarding whether weekends counted towards this timeframe. The board emphasized the importance of annual updates to medical documentation provided by parents, ensuring that school nurses have the most current information regarding student health needs.

Additionally, the discussion touched on the handling of chronic conditions, such as headaches, where students may need to take medication during school hours. It was clarified that while secondary school students can carry certain medications with parental consent, elementary students must go through the school nurse for any medication needs. This distinction aims to ensure that younger students receive appropriate supervision and care.

Overall, the workshop underscored the school board's proactive approach to student health and safety, addressing both insurance coverage and medication administration policies. As these changes are implemented, they are expected to enhance the well-being of students across Lake County schools, ensuring that health protocols are clear and effectively communicated to parents and staff alike.