Board debates sunscreen policy options; leans toward allowing students to carry sunscreen with administrative discretion

Board members discussed revisions to Policy 5339.01 (student sun protection) and indicated a preference for language that would allow students to bring non-aerosol sunscreen to school while preserving administrative discretion.

Members noted two policy options presented: one that would require parental permission for students to carry sunscreen and a second that would allow students to bring sunscreen unless the principal or designee instructs otherwise. Several board members favored the second option as less restrictive.

Health and operational concerns surfaced during the discussion. Members and attendees noted that aerosolized sunscreen can pose respiratory risks for students with asthma or other sensitivities and that school staff are not required by the policy to assist students in applying sunscreen. Board members suggested capturing relevant health information during the beginning-of-year health questionnaire and asked administration to consult school nurses and staff for formal input. Several members also said the district should consider practices used by camps and surrounding districts where staff are restricted from applying sunscreen to avoid physical contact.

The board did not take a formal vote on the policy during the meeting. Trustees asked administration to gather comments from nurses and other staff and to return recommendations and clarified policy language for a future meeting. A straw poll conducted during the meeting showed support for the less prescriptive, second-option approach, but the board left final adoption for a subsequent meeting.