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Classroom food policy may have been misinterpreted by administrators

A new Gloucester School Board policy aimed at reducing the risk to children with life-threatening food allergies may have been misinterpreted by school administrators, according to board members.

During the board’s Jan. 13 meeting, board member Kim Hensley said she was hearing that all outside foods are banned, and that teachers are responsible for any food brought into the classroom. 

Board chairman Troy Andersen said he supported Hensley’s comments. “There’s been a clear disconnect between what we voted on and what’s going on in the schools,” he said. 

After debating the issue last fall and getting the opinions of elementary school administrators, the board adopted guidelines in November that state, “During the normal instructional day, no homemade or commercially prepared treats or food items, which are intended to be shared with students, will be allowed at the elementary level. This will not include food items that are part of...

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