Two policies—research projects and animals in schools—scheduled for second reading

Policy staff told the board there are no new policies this month but that two items previously presented will come forward for second reading and potential adoption at the board meeting.

Heidi Oliver described Policy 86-50, which creates guidelines for outside research proposals involving students; staff received no feedback and made no substantive changes. She also summarized Policy 8,700 (animals in school), saying the policy consolidates existing guidance for service animals and addresses other classroom animals used for therapy or CTE instruction, adds a handler agreement and requires handlers to be licensed and trained where appropriate. Oliver said the policy will be presented for adoption on second reading at the board meeting.

No vote or formal action on either policy was recorded during the study session; both were presented as second-reading items for the board meeting.