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Board allows certified service dog 'Luna' to attend schools while policy is developed
Summary
The board agreed to allow a certified service dog, Luna, to attend district schools on a limited schedule while staff gather policy models and return with a recommended policy within about 30 days.
The Columbus Elem School Board voted to allow a certified service dog, Luna, to continue attending district schools while administrators gather information and draft a formal policy. Superintendent (S2) introduced Kelly Alts (S7), a paraprofessional who presented Luna’s certifications and described limited, supervised visits (initially about one afternoon per week) to help students with anxiety.
Board members praised the written materials provided and supported developing a written policy and best practices. S5 moved that Luna be allowed to continue attending as the district gathers examples and creates a local policy; S3 seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. The board set a roughly 30-day timeline to collect external resources and return recommendations at the next meeting.
Board discussion emphasized program structure, handler training, privacy, and potential liability; members suggested borrowing existing school or association policy language rather than starting from scratch. The motion and next steps were recorded but the transcript does not show a roll-call vote tally.
