Katy ISD’s pediculosis, or head lice, policy is more stringent than what is required by the Texas Department of State Health Services, according to the district’s Director of Health Services Therese Highnote.
In December 2012, the Texas Administrative Code changed the classification of head lice. It no longer is listed as a reason for a student to be excluded from school.
“It is now considered not a communicable disease but a nuisance,” she said. “The health department is fine with the student sitting in school with live lice.”
Highnote said KISD students, however, are still sent home once they are determined to have head lice. Students cannot return to class until treatment for pediculosis has begun.
