Managing head lice in our community has become an increasingly frustrating, exhausting, and costly issue for local families. Since the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) discontinued in-school head lice screenings and stopped requiring affected students to be treated before returning to class, families have been trapped in a relentless cycle of reinfestation.

Relying solely on individual families to manage outbreaks without structured school support leaves parents operating in the dark. Without coordinated in-school checks and clear isolation measures, early detection is nearly impossible, allowing lice to spread quickly from student to student. 

While public health agencies classify head lice as a non-communicable nuisance, the reality for parents is very different. The financial burden of repeated over the counter treatments, missed work, and ongoing disruption to family life is a heavy strain on our community. Schools must take an active role in keeping classrooms clean and managing outbreaks effectively.

We, the undersigned, call on HPEDSB Leadership and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health to take immediate action and implement the following measures:

1. Reinstate In-School Head Lice Screenings: Bring back regular or targeted head lice checks in classrooms to identify infestations early before they spread to entire classes.
2. Mandatory Treatment Policies: Require that students with active, live lice cases be sent home to receive proper treatment before returning to the classroom environment.
3. Timely Classroom Notifications: Send immediate, discreet notification letters or emails to parents in an affected classroom whenever a case is identified so families can check at home.

Our children deserve a comfortable, distraction-free environment to learn, and parents deserve a proactive approach from our school board. 

Please sign this petition to demand the return of head lice screenings, strict home-treatment requirements, and clear communication in HPEDSB schools!