PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert Board of Education (BOE) discussed four policies at the Sept. 11 meeting that were either up for scheduled review or needed to be updated based on changes to state guidelines. Each of the policies will be posted, with updates if recommended, for 30 days for the public to review before the board votes on them.
Regarding availability and use of auto-injectable epinephrine: Policy 390 is in need of updates to align with House Bill 78. Previously, state guidelines said that schools must have a nut-free table in the cafeteria. That law has changed to accommodate students with severe allergies to any of the top nine allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soy and sesame. Director of Student Services Cecilia Lewis asked that the policy be updated so guidelines on auto-injectable epinephrine, commonly known as EpiPens, include updated definitions related to major food allergens. The board voted to bring this policy up for review at a later meeting.
Regarding the selection and service of the student member of the Calvert County Board of Education: Policy 1200 is due for its scheduled review. Supervisor of Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Nicole Penix reviewed the policy and recommended no changes.
Regarding whistleblower protections: Policy 1741 is also due for scheduled review. Chief Operations Officer Susan Johnson reviewed the policy and recommended no changes but did add a citation at the bottom “to make sure the correct legal citation was made.”
Regarding the addition or deletion of an athletic program: Policy 3451 was reviewed by Supervisor of Health, PE and Athletics Mark Watson, who recommended changes to the policy to align with the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR)’s new definition of “an athletic program.” He also recommended listing the regulation from COMAR, as they were not listed prior.
BOE President Jana Smith-Post thanked each of the reviewers and acknowledged the research and updates made to ensure new state laws and regulations are added.
“It’s a vital resource for anyone that goes back and has to look through those things and I appreciate that effort,” she said.
All policies can be found on the Calvert County Public Schools website.
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