Fall River School Committee adopts head-lice policy after heated debate and public testimony

The Fall River School Committee on Monday approved a revised head‑lice policy that clarifies how nurses and principals should respond when students are found to have live lice.

The vote came after more than an hour of discussion at the June 9 meeting, public testimony from parent Taylor Perry and remarks from nursing staff and district leadership. The committee approved the policy by roll call after debate that centered on whether students should be sent home and how much discretion school nurses should retain.

The policy adopted keeps decisions about dismissal and return to class in the hands of clinical staff. Superintendent Tracy Curley told the committee the revised policy was drafted to align the district’s wording with current public‑health guidance and local nursing practice. “We want our nurses to be able to use their professional judgment,” Curley said during the discussion.

Nursing director Mary Gustave explained the operational side of the change and told the committee that nurses already follow procedures to check, contact families and re‑screen children after treatment. Gustave said the district historically relied on a set of procedures rather than a formal policy, and the new text was intended to put those procedures into a policy format and to clarify responsibilities.

Taylor Perry, who identified herself as a parent and community advocate, urged the committee to adopt a firm rule that students with live lice be sent home for treatment, saying one day at home is less disruptive than repeated reinfestation. “We can reduce the repetitive treatment and minimize school outbreaks,” Perry said in a three‑minute public comment.

Several committee members pressed for clarifications about equity and cost: members asked whether families who cannot afford over‑the‑counter products or have transportation barriers could receive help. Committee members suggested district staff explore options such as vouchers, physician prescriptions that might be covered by insurance, or other financial supports for families.

Members also asked that the nursing office develop and circulate a district‑wide education campaign before the fall term so parents know prevention and treatment options and understand the protocol for notification and re‑entry.

After extended discussion the committee voted to adopt the policy as presented, with a roll call recorded in the meeting minutes. Committee members who spoke during the debate repeatedly urged that any new approach avoid stigmatizing students and that the district prioritize keeping students in school when medically appropriate.

The school committee referred questions about possible voucher programs and community partnerships to the superintendent and the nursing director for follow‑up.

The policy will be posted with the district policies and a summary of the procedure will be distributed to school nurses and building administrators. Staff said they will return to the committee with proposed family‑support options and an outreach plan before the 2025–26 school year begins.