By Bill Short
The Millington School Board has approved on final reading a modification of its policy regarding immunizations and physical examinations of students before they enter school.
Board members took the action during their June 7 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Larry Jackson and seconded by Greg Ritter.
The motion was passed by five affirmative votes, with Cody Childress and Chairman Chris Denson absent.
The policy was initially approved in May 2014. The modification, recommended by the Tennessee School Board Association, was unanimously approved on first reading at the board’s May 3 meeting.
The policy requires a school principal to ensure that there is a complete physical examination of each student before he or she:
(1) enters the school for the first time; and
(2) participates as a member of any athletic team or in any other strenuous physical activity program.
Cost of the examination must be covered by the student’s parent or guardian. These records will be on file in the principal’s office.
Screening tests will be conducted as required by the Tennessee Department of Education and the Department of Health.
Parents or guardians will receive written notice of any screening result indicating a condition that might interfere with the student’s progress.
The school district will not conduct physical examinations of any student without parental consent or by court order, unless the immediate health or safety of the student or others is in question.
Students will not be permitted to attend school without proof of immunization as determined by the Commissioner of Health, unless circumstances outlined in state or federal law prevent a student from producing such records.
Parents or guardians will be responsible for having their children immunized and providing such proof to the principal of the school they will attend.
Exceptions will be granted to any student whose parent or guardian files a signed, written statement with school authorities that such measures conflict with one of the following:
(1) his or her religious tenets and practices if an epidemic does not exist, or there is no immediate threat of one;
(2) medical reasons if the student has a written statement from his or her doctor excusing him or her from the immunization.
James “Bo” Griffin, superintendent of Millington Municipal Schools, is required to ensure that appropriate immunization records are maintained for each student.
