3220 – Use of Service Animals

The Board of Education allows the use of service animals on school grounds by individuals with disabilities, subject to restrictions permitted by federal and/or state law, and procedures established by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.

For the purpose of this policy, a service animal is defined as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, will not be considered service animals.

The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability. The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.

Where reasonable, the Board of Education also allows the use of miniature horses on school grounds by individuals with disabilities. Such use will only be permitted where a miniature horse has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks to benefit an individual with a disability. The use of miniature horses by individuals with disabilities will be subject to the considerations and restrictions permitted by federal and/or state law.

The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee may create regulations and/or building-specific rules regarding the use of service animals and miniature horses on school grounds by individuals with disabilities.

References

• 28 CFR Sections 35.104, 35.136, 35.139