Policy 8800 - Service Animals in Schools

The Richland School District Board of Directors acknowledges its responsibility to permit students and/or adults with disabilities to be accompanied by a “service animal” as required by federal laws and Washington State’s law against discrimination. This policy governs the presence of service animals in the schools and on school property, including school buses and at school activities. 

A “service animal” means an animal that is trained for the purpose of assisting or accommodating a disabled person’s sensory, mental or physical disability. 

Generally, the District will modify its policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability. The parent/guardian of a student who believes the student needs to bring a service animal to school, or an employee who wishes to bring a service animal to school, must submit a written request to the building principal. The building principal, in consultation with the Superintendent or their designee, will determine whether or not to permit the service animal in school. 

The Superintendent will develop procedures to implement the policy. 

Legal References:

Adoption: