Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Therapy Dogs In Schools topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews therapy‑dog policy in first reading; trustees say program will be cost‑neutral
Summary
Trustees held a first reading of Policy 4605 to allow trained therapy dogs in district schools; presenters said the program will be provided without cost to the district and would offer students an outlet for anxiety and stress.
Trustees held a first reading of Policy 4605 to allow therapy dogs in district schools and described the policy as the product of multiple stakeholders working together.
A trustee explained the policy has been developed for some time and said it would give children “an outlet, with anxiety, stress, etcetera, to, come face to face with a dog that is trained to deal with these types of situations.” The trustee added, “This isn't gonna be any cost to the district.”
Board members said the policy includes legal protections and will allow trained animals to support students dealing with anxiety, stress or other needs. The policy was presented as a first reading; no final adoption occurred at the meeting. Trustees said they do not anticipate significant pushback and expect to finalize details over the summer alongside other policy work.
No costs, contracts or implementation dates were approved at the meeting; district staff will continue to refine policy language and procedures for safe use of therapy dogs in schools.
