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Board moves to reword head-lice policy; members favor a more compassionate operational approach
Summary
After a lengthy discussion, trustees agreed to reword the district's head-lice (pediculosis) policy to emphasize private, dignity-preserving screening and to follow ODE/OHA/CDC guidance; the revised language will return for a second reading next month.
The board debated whether the district needs a standalone head-lice policy or whether operational guidance and state public-health references are sufficient. Several trustees expressed concern that the existing policy and associated administrative regulations seemed punitive and out of step with current public-health guidance.
One board member proposed concise, revised policy language directing trained staff to screen students privately and sensitively, notify parents and provide recommended treatment options consistent with Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Centers for Disease Control guidance. The proposed wording explicitly states that pediculosis (head lice) is not a grounds for exclusion from school and that the district will follow communicable-disease guidance in implementation.
Trustees debated whether to eliminate the policy and rely on operational procedures; others favored retaining a short, human-centered policy so parents and staff have a clear reference. The board asked staff to return the revised language for a formal second reading at the next meeting.
What happens next: staff will incorporate suggested wording and bring the revised policy back for board consideration at the next regular meeting.
