School committee approves JLCA update to clarify student physicals and recordkeeping

The Holliston School Committee voted March 12 to revise policy JLCA governing physical examinations of students to align with updated Department of Public Health recommendations and district practices.

Changes clarified that records of all examinations and recommendations will be kept in each school's health office and adjusted language about school-physician requirements to reflect that the district, like many others, does not maintain a designated school physician. The policy now specifies that candidates for school athletic teams must present signed parental consent and an annual physical or sports physical signed by a physician.

A policy presenter walked the committee through small language edits and ongoing reporting procedures by school nurses; the committee then moved and approved the recommended changes by voice vote.

Committee members asked procedural questions about whether a formal vote was required; the presenter confirmed a motion and second were necessary and the committee approved the edits at the meeting.