Changes urged in Seneca Valley to protect pupils, employees with food allergies
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Seneca Valley School District administrators are working on a policy to better protect students and employees who have food allergies.
Assistant superintendent Jeffrey Fuller said 193 pupils and several staff members in the district have serious allergies.
"We knew we had to do something about it. We had one employee that had to be transported to the hospital more than once [after allergic reactions]," he said.
Administrators are recommending several policy changes, including prohibiting food for birthday celebrations in the lower grades and prohibiting teachers from using food as a reward in the classroom.
Mr. Fuller said they intend to establish a list of four or five safe foods that can be consumed in classrooms for special occasions.
School board member Eric DiTullio questioned why the policy had to be so strict.
"In my opinion, this takes it a little too far," he said.
Mr. Fuller said administrators believe the health and welfare of students and teachers with allergies is more important.
"This is a situation where the rights of a few outweigh the rights of many," he said.
Mr. Fuller added that a revised board policy will bring consistency to all of the district's buildings.
Board members are expected to vote on the matter at Monday's meeting.
First Published February 9, 2012 12:00 am
