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At an April school board meeting, local parent Elizabeth Rokosz alleged her son's diabetic test kit was used by a teacher and not cleaned before the child tested his blood sugar levels at Northside Elementary School.
District officials have refused to comment on the issue, citing personnel reasons, nor have they refuted Rokosz's statements. Meanwhile, some residents have expressed outrage over the incident, while others have dismissed it as blown out of proportion.
At best, the situation is the result of an overly concerned mother who approached the school board about an incident that could be harmless. At worst, a child could've been exposed to disease, and the district could be liable for damages.
Regardless of the perception of the incident, parents have the right to know if the situation occurred and if their children could be exposed in a similar manner.
School district officials need to explain the situation, not only for the sake of the parties involved, but for the peace of mind of parents who expect their children to be in a safe environment while at school.
If a policy isn't in place regarding the storage and use of diabetic testing supplies, or it isn't enforced, one should be enacted and followed. If school officials find that an employee was at fault for the incident, appropriate action should be taken so a similar situation does not happen again. Since the allegations were made at a public meeting, it would only be fitting and a proper show of transparency to issue a public statement related to the incident.
Local school employees are entrusted with the safety of our most valued treasures - our children - and nearly all do an excellent job bearing that responsibility. While this incident may be isolated, it's serious and controversial enough that an official explanation is in order before rumor and skepticism cloud the truth of the matter.
District officials have refused to comment on the issue, citing personnel reasons, nor have they refuted Rokosz's statements. Meanwhile, some residents have expressed outrage over the incident, while others have dismissed it as blown out of proportion.
At best, the situation is the result of an overly concerned mother who approached the school board about an incident that could be harmless. At worst, a child could've been exposed to disease, and the district could be liable for damages.
Regardless of the perception of the incident, parents have the right to know if the situation occurred and if their children could be exposed in a similar manner.
School district officials need to explain the situation, not only for the sake of the parties involved, but for the peace of mind of parents who expect their children to be in a safe environment while at school.
If a policy isn't in place regarding the storage and use of diabetic testing supplies, or it isn't enforced, one should be enacted and followed. If school officials find that an employee was at fault for the incident, appropriate action should be taken so a similar situation does not happen again. Since the allegations were made at a public meeting, it would only be fitting and a proper show of transparency to issue a public statement related to the incident.
Local school employees are entrusted with the safety of our most valued treasures - our children - and nearly all do an excellent job bearing that responsibility. While this incident may be isolated, it's serious and controversial enough that an official explanation is in order before rumor and skepticism cloud the truth of the matter.
