Poteau board adopts new policies on service animals and bed-bug response to formalize procedures

The Poteau Public Schools Board approved two new policies — an EMG policy addressing service animals and restricted animals on school grounds, and an FFAD policy establishing a bed-bug response protocol.

Board materials and staff said both policies were new additions (not revisions) and were adopted from OSSBA (Oklahoma State School Boards Association) model language. Staff said the EMG policy clarifies the district’s response to animals on school property, requires signage if approved, and uses the federal definition of a “service animal” while allowing superintendent-level exceptions for animals in training or approved programs.

The board also adopted a bed-bug policy. Staff explained the district already has a lice policy — lice being a CDC-defined contagious condition — but no formal protocol for bed bugs. The new policy will formalize response steps and will be supplemented by administrative procedures the administration said they will finalize with school leaders.

Board members voted to adopt both policies by roll call. No dissenting votes were recorded during the roll calls associated with the motion.