Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facility Dog topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bedford Elementary requests $20,000 in Title I funds for trained facility dog
Summary
Bedford Elementary principal Marcy Jopi asked the board to approve about $20,000 in Title I funds to buy and implement a professionally trained facility dog, estimating initial purchase/training at roughly $7,000 and saying ongoing costs will be covered by school fundraising and donations.
Marcy Jopi, speaking for Bedford Elementary, asked the board to approve using approximately $20,000 in Title I funds to purchase and implement a professionally trained facility dog intended to support students' social, emotional and academic needs. "I respectfully request the board of education approve the use of the $20,000 in title 1 funds to purchase and implement [a] professionally trained facility dog program at Bedford Elementary," she said.
Jopi told trustees the initial purchase and training would be about $7,000 and that ongoing costs—food, routine veterinary care, grooming and supplies—would be funded through school fundraising, community donations and business partnerships. She said no additional district general-fund resources are anticipated for ongoing care. Trustees asked about allergies and handling; Jopi said she would serve as the dog's handler and that the school could set up no‑dog zones if families reported allergies. The board did not record a final vote on the facility‑dog request during the public portion captured in the transcript.
