Trustees pull animal-policy item from consent agenda, debate liability and classroom exceptions
Summary
Board approved the consent agenda with one policy (item 971) removed for discussion; trustees debated a teacher request to bring a dog to class, liability concerns and whether current policy already covers curriculum-based animal presentations.
During the consent-agenda review trustees moved to approve the consent slate but removed policy item 971 for separate consideration. A trustee described feedback from a teacher requesting permission to continue bringing a dog into a classroom. The trustee said the teacher’s concern was that building-level decisions were being applied inconsistently.
Board members discussed whether the district’s policy allows animals for curriculum purposes and whether the building administrator’s discretion is sufficient. One trustee cautioned about liability, noting that bringing animals into schools can expose the district to financial risk if an incident occurs. Another trustee said current policy appears to permit animals tied to curriculum and service animals but recommended staff bring feedback from administrators.
After discussion the board moved policy 971 forward for a second reading. Trustees recorded votes in support of moving the policy to second reading and clarified they would obtain more detailed feedback from administrators before final adoption.
