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Board advances first reading to ban energy drinks over 100 mg caffeine in schools
Summary
In a first reading the Wilson County Board of Education moved to prohibit vending‑machine sale of energy drinks with more than 100 mg of caffeine at high schools; staff cited American Academy of Pediatrics guidance and said the rule would target vending and school‑hour sales, with parents and after‑school concessions treated separately.
The Wilson County Board of Education held a substantive policy discussion on June 18 and approved a first reading of a policy to remove energy drinks sold on campus that exceed 100 milligrams of caffeine.
A board member explained the motion was prompted by parent concerns about students (including those with 504 plans and IEPs) arriving to school jittery; operations staff recommended setting the limit to 100 milligrams citing pediatric guidance. "I did a little research in the American, Pediatric Society, I believe it is, [they] recommend teenagers have no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine," operations staff said during the discussion. Staff proposed the language be added under the district's nutrition commitment so vending machine and fundraising items would comply with the limit.
Board members discussed scope — whether the restriction should cover concessions at after‑school events — and agreed the primary focus for the policy is vending machines and sales during school hours; after‑school concessions and parent‑supervised sales were described as separate matters. The policy will return for a second reading in July.
