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Board hears first read on therapy dog "Maggie" for Pauline South; approval to return next meeting
Summary
A counselor introduced Maggie, a proposed therapy dog for Pauline South. Administration presented a complete application and said the board will vote at the next meeting; initial approval would create a 90‑day probationary period followed by full approval with principal consent.
The board heard a first read on an application to bring a therapy dog named Maggie into Pauline South.
What the board heard
• Presentation: Mark Strand, a counselor at Pauline South, introduced Maggie and described her background, training and testing. Strand said the dog and handler completed classes and the public access test and that the principal, Mr. Holman, supports bringing Maggie on site to help students, particularly those who are withdrawn.
• Administration’s review: District staff reported a complete application had been submitted including training records, veterinary and immunization records and certifications. The district said the board’s approval would initially create a 90‑day probationary period during which Maggie would be introduced gradually; if the principal (Mr. Holman) and staff consent after that period, Maggie would receive full approval and annual records reviews would continue.
• Timing and next steps: This was a first read. Administration said the item will return at the next board meeting for formal action. If approved at that time, Maggie would begin introductions to students and staff according to an onboarding plan coordinated by her handler and the principal.
Context and districtwide notes
When asked how many therapy dogs the district currently has, a district administrator said she could not recall the exact number but estimated that, with Maggie’s approval, there would be at least one therapy dog in every building. The district emphasized that the approval process includes training and record reviews and that annual updates would be required.
Speakers and attributions: Mark Strand (counselor at Pauline South) introduced Maggie. Mr. Holman (principal, Pauline South) was identified in the meeting as the building principal and noted as supportive. A district administrator (identified in the transcript as Doctor DeSoto) described the application materials and approval process.
