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Lee's Summit mother frustrated school doesn't alert parents about lice

Posted at 10:38 PM, May 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-08 23:38:56-04

A Lee’s Summit mother is furious with the school district’s policy on lice.

Krystal Jenkins’ young daughter came home from school Friday itching her head.

“Most common place is behind the ears and back of the neck and sure enough I found a live bug,” Jenkins said. 

She immediately thought to call her child’s school. She spoke to the nurse who told her it was not policy to alert other parents. 

“The student doesn't have to be put on blast or anything, that’s not what I’m asking for,” Jenkins explained. “But a simple newsletter notifying parents, explaining this is what we are dealing with and you should probably check your kids, I don’t think that would hurt anyone.”

Lee’s Summit follows up on known head lice cases but does not do classroom screening. 

Notifying all parents is up to the nurse’s discretion and determined on a case by case basis. Due to confidentially, this is standard. 

41 Action News checked on several other area districts including KCK, KCPS, Blue Springs, Independence, Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley, and found all policies are very similar. Shawnee Mission noted in its policies if multiple cases arise it will post an update on its website.