Board reviews proposed policy on classroom animals, including 'live‑feed' provisions; staff to rework section
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Summary
Trustees reviewed a proposed policy to formalize approval for animals in classrooms and to address live‑feeding and visiting animals; staff will rework Section 12 and return the policy as a first reading at a future meeting.
The board discussed a proposed district policy to govern animals that are regularly or periodically housed in classrooms. The proposal would formalize an approval process that requires principal authorization for classroom animals, address health and vaccination requirements, and limit unapproved activities such as live‑feeding of organisms unless preapproved.
Staff said the policy was modeled on the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) sample language and is intended to protect district liability while preserving legitimate instructional uses — for example aquaria, classroom snails, or agricultural projects through FFA — when principals approve them. Board members cited a high‑profile Idaho case in which classroom handling of a malformed animal led to community conflict; staff said that history motivated a cautious approach.
There was discussion about the policy’s Section 12 (which currently addresses live feeding). Board members and staff agreed to rework that section and obtain additional staff feedback so language is clearer about what requires principal approval and what might be permitted under controlled, preapproved circumstances. The item was left for revision and will be brought back for the board’s review; no policy vote was taken at the meeting.