Board begins first reading of animals‑in‑schools policy to align with ADA; second reading set for Jan. 14

At its Dec. 10 meeting the Catalina Foothills Unified School District governing board conducted a first reading of revisions to Policy IMG and Regulation IMG‑R (Animals in Schools) to align district policy with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Superintendent Denise Bartlett said the policy changes add the defined term “service animal” to distinguish service animals from non‑service animals and to clarify where service animals are permitted. “The definition of service animal is included in the policy to mean any dog that is individually trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or mental disability,” Bartlett said.

Board members asked staff to clarify that the exception for service animals applies not only to school buses but also to other district vehicles that transport students. Bartlett confirmed the regulation will be edited to use the terms "service animal" and "nonservice animal" consistently and to require written authorization before nonservice animals are transported in district vehicles.

The proposed regulation also lists required documentation before a nonservice animal or classroom pet may be allowed: vaccination history (including current rabies and distemper), proof of licensure, proof of spay/neuter, evidence of flea/tick treatment and a current veterinarian certificate indicating the animal is healthy and disease free. Bartlett noted the district currently has one animal in training to become a service animal under staff member Dr. Erin Matajasic.

Board members requested clearer language and said staff will return the revised policy and regulation for a second reading at the board’s Jan. 14 meeting.

No adoption vote occurred; the item was held for a future meeting.