Teacher and student urge board to allow classroom pets, citing learning and attendance benefits

Two speakers addressed the board during public comment on Aug. 12 to urge continued allowance of classroom animals in Elizabeth Middle School science classes.

Lindsay Cutter, a middle-school science teacher with more than 20 years' experience in Colorado public schools, told the board that classroom animals are an important instructional tool and that she covers all care costs herself. Cutter said reptiles in class help build rapport, motivate attendance and support hands‑on science learning; she noted safety precautions and that her animals are nonvenomous constrictors.

"My reptiles... help me create this positive learning environment," Cutter said, explaining that the animals reduce allergy risks for students who are sensitive to fur or feathers and that they serve as rewards that encourage students to do class projects and come to school.

Parker Day, a student who said he attended Elizabeth Middle School, described how class pets taught responsibility, teamwork and curiosity and said removing the animals would deprive students of experiential learning opportunities.

Board response and context Board members thanked the speakers. No policy vote on classroom animals occurred at the meeting; Cutter and Day's remarks were entered under public comment for the board's consideration.

Ending Speakers asked the board and district staff to consider classroom animals as a legitimate instructional resource and emphasized safety and established classroom-management procedures.