Policy 2029 - Animals as Part of the Instructional Program
Only animals that are part of the instructional program will be allowed in the classroom/school and must be preapproved by the principal. The use of animals in the classroom is appropriate when supporting a specific unit of study. Therefore these animals will be temporary in nature. Classroom pets are prohibited. Health issues (allergies and vaccinated status of the animal) involving students and staff shall be addressed before permission is given to allow the animal in the school.
If an animal will remain at school when school is not in session, appropriate arrangements for the animal’s care must be made. It is the staff member’s responsibility to care for these animals. Animals will always be considered personal property, and as such, the teacher will be responsible for any expense for the animal. Animals must be under the control of their adult-owner, the teacher, or designated students at all times. Animals shall not be transported in a school vehicle.
This policy does not apply to service animals for the disabled or police dogs. Service animals must be on a harness, leash or other tether at all times and the owner/handler must be in full control of the service animal at all times. A school may ask an individual with a disability to remove a service animal from the premises if the animal is out of control and the animal’s handler does not take effective action to control it or if the animal is not housebroken. Service animals may be prohibited from being on school grounds if the animal is deemed to pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others or disrupts the educational process.
Legal References:
Adoption: