CSD 13 School Board discusses food allergy safety

By Jenna Lookner

DEER ISLE—At its first meeting since the start of the school year, the CSD 13 School Board moved through a slate of business including approving new hires, staff and administrative updates, and a discussion of the allergy policy and a “nut free” designation currently observed by both of the Deer Isle-Stonington schools. 

The official school allergy policy was adopted in November 2016 and details the steps the school will take in the event of an allergic student. They include the development of individual health plans for allergic students and strategies that reduce exposure to allergens in school spaces. 

Currently, the school also has adopted a guideline, “Striving to be Peanut Free, Tree Nut Free, and Coconut Free,” which includes a prohibition on outside food with nuts, nut flours, or nut butters and instructions for thorough handwashing if a child eats a meal containing nuts at home prior to school. 

After receiving confirmation that there are still one or more allergic students in the schools, board co-chair Genevieve McDonald opened the floor to discussion at the Sept. 8 board meeting. 

“Banning one allergen does not affect other students with severe allergies,” said Jessica Gillen, an ed tech Deer Isle/Stonington Elementary School. She used dairy as an example, adding that some people have severe dairy allergies, yet dairy products are not subject to the same heavy restrictions. 

School parent Liz Smith said that her daughter has a nut allergy that can cause anaphylaxis. She said her daughter requires access to an EpiPen at all times.

“I don’t think saying ‘don’t bring nuts to school' is denying another person,” Smith said. “Everyone’s opinion is important… but this policy has saved [her daughter’s] life more than once.”

Officials at School Union 76 are discussing the practical ways in which to implement food allergy policies. Photo by Jenna Lookner.

Elementary school teacher Becky Beachy said that several members of her family—including her—are type 2 diabetics who can benefit from having nut products in an emergency. 

“Three of the four members of my family are type 2 diabetics,” Beachy said. “Nut butters are one of the best things to help in a diabetic crisis.” 

Beachy added that it can be difficult as a parent to reconcile the laser focus on dangerous nut allergies, even when the measures that keep some students safe may have negative ramifications for another. 

“I always think, ‘Why is my child’s life less important than someone else’s?’” she said. 

Beachy added that it can be difficult to find snacks that do not contain any of the prohibited ingredients, and that many things — even some fruit snacks— contain coconut or coconut byproducts. She said she looks at the packaging on lunches that come into her classroom. 

“That’s not something I should be responsible for,” she said. “It takes up a good chunk of time.” 

Sophie Webb said her daughter is neurodivergent and has strict food restrictions due to her preferences and aversions. 

“Peanut butter is one of the only forms of protein that my child will consume,” Webb said. She added that a peanut butter sandwich has been her daughter’s go-to meal for “four or five years.” 

Audience members suggested alternatives including designated zones for students to consume items containing nuts, different policies for the high school and elementary school based on age and personal responsibility, consulting with other area schools on their policies, and designated allergen-free classrooms.

“There are a lot of things to consider regarding this issue,” McDonald said. “We will take all of these perspectives into consideration.”

McDonald said that she would meet with school nurse Christine Saunders to discuss the commentary that had been shared. 

“We will continue the dialogue and keep everyone informed,” McDonald said.