The District will work with the Kent County Health Department to adhere to the Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978 as amended), and will comply with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to prevent, control, and contain communicable diseases in schools.
Scholars are expected to comply with required immunization schedules. The building Principal is required, under Part 92, Act 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, to exclude children from school attendance who are of out of compliance with the immunizations required by this Act.
The District will exclude a scholar from school who is suspected of having a communicable disease or infection and is considered a health threat to the school population as defined by Michigan Public Health R325.9010 and as described in the rules accompanying this policy. A communicable disease is one that is spread from one person to another through a variety of ways that include: contact with blood and bodily fluids, breathing in an airborne virus, or by being bitten by an insect.
A decision to close schools due to communicable disease outbreaks will be made by the Superintendent, in consultation with the Kent County Health Department medical staff and/or with the review team.
The Superintendent or designee will comply with all laws, State executive orders, Michigan Department of Education rules or regulations, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, and any reporting requirements.
A scholar who has been diagnosed with or is suspected of having a communicable and/or chronic infectious disease has all rights, privileges, and services provided by law and the District's policies.1
1 A scholar with a contagious disease is probably a "handicapped individual" under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794(a). See Thomas v Atascadero Unified School District, 662 F. Supp.376 (C.D. Cal 1986) (a child with Aids was a "handicapped person" under Section 504. Scholars with contagious diseases may also qualify for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20. U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.). Decisions to place a scholar in a class outside regular classes due to infectious disease must be based on medical evaluations indicating a need to protect the health and safety of others. Community High School District 155 v Denz, 463 N.E.2nd 998 (2nd Dist. 1984).