Parents press district over continuous glucose monitor use after 504 teams deny requests

Parents of students with type 1 diabetes told the Delaware Valley School District board that the district is placing children at medical and academic risk by refusing to use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in school under some circumstances.

Why it matters: Parents and caregivers said CGMs can provide earlier alerts for hypoglycemia than a child or teacher can detect, and they contend that denying use when a physician has prescribed remote monitoring can endanger children — particularly young children who may not recognize or be able to respond to dangerously low blood sugar.

What speakers said - Jennifer Jarvis described the condition of hypo‑unawareness and said her son “doesn't feel symptoms until his glucose level is down to 50,” adding that a child at that level is “cognitively impaired and not guaranteed to be able to treat himself properly.” (Public comment.) - Danielle Trociano (Milford) said district staff told parents a CGM could not be used because of board policy; she reported that the district declined a request even after her child's endocrinologist participated in a 504 meeting. She asked the board to follow doctors’ orders and to stop delaying decisions that parents say threaten their children's safety.

Discussion and board response Board members acknowledged the parents’ presentations and said they would investigate. One board member said the 504 team has the authority to decide accommodation requests on a case‑by‑case basis but also said the board would examine whether existing policy needs revision to permit CGM use when a medical professional recommends it. Trustees asked for faster clarification of policy language over the summer so 504 teams and families have a clear process before the next school year.

Formal action No formal policy change or vote was recorded at the meeting. Board members directed staff to review the district’s policy and the 504 decision process and to return with recommendations; parents requested that doctors’ orders be followed when the medical team documents a device as medically necessary.

Clarifying details - Parents said the district continues to use a phone line to reach the nurse but described circumstances where the nurse could not be reached quickly enough to avert danger. - At least one parent reported her child is six years old; speakers said younger elementary‑age children are less likely to recognize hypoglycemia symptoms and may not respond appropriately.

Background Speakers said the district’s stated reasons for refusing CGM monitoring have included liability and staffing considerations. Parents and some board members said those concerns do not outweigh the medical evidence presented by treating endocrinologists that real‑time CGM monitoring can prevent emergencies and reduce classroom interruptions for students with type 1 diabetes.

Ending Board members pledged to review the district’s 504 procedures and the written policy language during the summer and to report back to parents and trustees with recommendations for a clearer, medically informed accommodation process.