The board of trustees is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all of its students and employees. Recognizing that many students have severe food allergies, the board is dedicated to working with parents, students, and physicians to reduce the likelihood of severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions; determine appropriate response and treatment options; and provide food allergic students with an equal opportunity to participate in the programs and activities of the district.
DEFINITIONS
“Anaphylaxis” means a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that is often marked by difficulty breathing, itching, swelling, hives, increased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and dilated blood vessels. In severe cases, a person will go into anaphylactic shock, which can lead to unconsciousness or be fatal if not treated immediately.
“Epinephrine (a.k.a., adrenaline)” means a medication used in emergencies to treat serious allergic reactions by reversing the symptoms and preventing progression to other, more serious symptoms.
“Epinephrine auto-injector” means a device that automatically injects a premeasured dose of epinephrine into the human body (e.g., EpiPen).
“Food allergy” means an unusual response to a food caused by the body’s immune system. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or anaphylaxis.
PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTING POLICY
Any student who is in need or is believed to be in need of services under this policy may be referred by a parent, teacher, or other school employee for identification and evaluation pursuant to Section 504. The school will follow its Section 504 policies and procedures in identifying, evaluating, and providing services to eligible students who are referred under this policy.
SCHOOL PROTOCOL
All schools in the district may implement a protocol, consistent with this policy, for providing food allergic students with protections while they are attending school or participating in school-sponsored activities. School protocols may include individual written allergy management plans and emergency care plans that identify accommodations for the student and provide direction in the event of a life-threatening allergic reaction at school or school-sponsored event. Each school will ensure that relevant information is transmitted to all supervising persons of a student identified with a life-threatening food allergy. The protocol shall be reviewed and updated at least annually, as well as after any serious allergic reaction has occurred at school or a school-sponsored activity.
FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS AND ALLERGEN EXPOSURE
Substitutions to the regular meal will be made for students who are unable to eat school meals due to severe allergic reaction as determined by the student’s 504 team or the student’s 504 plan.
Students with allergies will be treated in a way that encourages the student to report possible exposure to allergens and any symptoms of an allergic reaction to progress toward self-care with his or her food allergy management skills.
ADMINISTERING EPINEPHERINE
Each school may keep epinephrine in close proximity to students at risk of anaphylaxis and will be administered in accordance with Policy No. 561 (Administering Medications). If determined appropriate, a student may be allowed to carry an epinephrine auto-injector with him or her at all times to be used for self-administration should it be required. The school will call 911 in all cases where epinephrine is administered.
ALLERGY BULLYING
The harassment, intimidation or bullying of students with food allergies on the basis of their allergies will be taken seriously and handled in accordance with the school’s bullying and harassment policies and other applicable laws.
STAFF TRAINING
The district may provide training for designated staff in basic first aid, resuscitative techniques, identification of symptoms of an allergic reaction, and the use of epinephrine auto-injectors. Trained staff may be informed of the location of emergency medications at school and school-sponsored functions.
POSTING OF SIGNS
Signs may be posted in a conspicuous place at each public entrance and within the cafeteria advising that the district is “nut free” due to the presence of students with allergies to peanuts/tree-nuts.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
LEGAL REFERENCE:
Idaho Code Sections
33-512 – Governance of Schools
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
CROSS-REFERENCE:
561 – Administering Medications
670 – Special Education (IDEA)
671 – Section 504
ADOPTED: February 18, 2026AMENDED: