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School attendance may increase a student’s risk of exposure to allergens that could trigger anaphylaxis. Students at risk for anaphylaxis benefit from a School Board policy that coordinates a planned response in the event of an anaphylactic emergency. Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction from exposure to allergens that is rapid in onset and can cause death. Common allergens include animal dander, fish, latex, milk, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, insect venom, medications, peanuts, soy, and wheat. A severe allergic reaction usually occurs quickly; death has been reported to occur within minutes. An anaphylactic reaction can also occur up to one to two hours after exposure to the allergen.

While it is not possible for the District to completely eliminate the risks of an anaphylactic emergency when a student is at school, an Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program helps the District reduce these risks and provide accommodations and proper treatment for anaphylactic reactions.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement an Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program for the prevention and treatment of anaphylaxis that:

1. Conforms with the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE)’s model policy required by the School Code that: (a) relates to the care and response to a person having an anaphylaxis reaction, (b) addresses the use of epinephrine in a school setting, (c) provides a full food allergy and prevention of allergen exposure planning tool, and (d) was guided by 105 ILCS 5/22-30 and 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.540.
2. Provides for staff members to receive appropriate training, including: (a) an in-service training program for staff who work with students that is conducted by a person with expertise in anaphylactic reactions and management, and (b) training required by law for those staff members acting as trained personnel, as provided in 105 ILCS 5/22-30 and 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.540.
3. Implements and maintains a supply of undesignated epinephrine in the name of the District, in accordance with policy 7:270, Administering Medicines to Students.
4. Considers the applicable best practices. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs and the National Association of School Nurses Allergies and Anaphylaxis Resources/Checklists.
5. Complies with state and federal law and is in alignment with Board policies.

Adopted: December 13, 2010
Revised: March 20, 2017; September 19, 2022
Reviewed: April 24, 2023; February 26, 2024