The Board of Education recognizes that animals can contribute to the district's instructional program by being effective teaching aids to students and by assisting individuals with disabilities to access district programs and activities. In addition, instruction related to the care and treatment of animals teaches students a sense of responsibility and promotes the humane treatment of living creatures.
Animals may be brought to school for educational purposes, subject to rules and precautions specified in administrative regulations related to health, safety, and sanitation. Teachers shall ensure that these rules and precautions are observed so as to protect both the students and animals.
Service dogs, as defined by law, may accompany individuals with disabilities on school premises or on school transportation as needed.
When a service dog is brought in to the classroom, the principal or designee shall provide prior written notification to all parents/guardians of students in the class.
The Superintendent or designee shall develop rules and procedures to ensure that when animals are brought to school, the health, safety, and welfare of students, staff, and the animals are protected. However, the district assumes no liability for the safety of animals voluntarily brought on district properly.
(cf. 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)
(cf. 6142.4 - Service Learning/Community Service Classes)
(cf. 6159 - Individualized Education Program)
(cf. 6164.4 - Identification and Evaluation of Individuals for Special Education)
(cf. 6164.6 - Identification and Education Under Section 504)
(cf. 3320 - Claims and Actions Against the District)
(cf. 3530 - Risk Management/Insurance)
(cf. 5141.21 - Administering Medication and Monitoring Health Conditions)
(cf. 5141.23 - Asthma Management)
Legal References:
EDUCATION CODE
233.5 Instruction in kindness to pets and humane treatment of living creatures
39839 Transportation of guide dogs, signal dogs, service dogs
51202 Instruction in personal and public health and safety
51540 Safe and humane treatment of animals at school
CIVIL CODE
54.1 Access to public places
54.2 Guide, signal, or service dogs, right to accompany
GOVERNMENT CODE
810-996.6 California Tort Claims Act, especially:
815 Liability for injuries generally; immunity of public entity
835 Conditions of liability
Policy NEWPORT-MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: November 15, 2016 Costa Mesa, California