When bringing an animal into the classroom, considerations must be given to students or staff who may be allergic to the animal. In advance of the animal being brought to school, a notification will be sent home with the students in that class informing parents of the type of animal that will be coming into the classroom. Parents will have an opportunity to notify the teacher or the principal if their child is allergic to the animal. If a parent responds about a concern regarding a possible allergic reaction to the animal, the principal and teacher shall discuss options that may be considered. The name of the student with the allergy shall remain confidential.

If after an animal is brought to class and school officials become aware that an individual did have an allergic reaction, the school shall resolve the issue and provide the necessary cleaning of all surfaces in the classroom to remove the allergen.

The care of an animal is the responsibility of the teacher. Cages and aquariums shall be cleaned by the teacher, not a student. Animal waste and materials from the cages shall be bagged and disposed of in a proper manner in a proper outside trash container. Waste water from an aquarium may be disposed of by flushing it down a toilet or any sink where food is not prepared. For animals staying in the classroom for longer than that day, it is the teacher’s responsibility to provide care over the weekends and during vacations.

Under the teacher’s supervision, students may handle the animal in the classroom after being given instruction on proper handling techniques for handling the animal, as well as proper hand washing techniques after handling the animal. When appropriate, students may feed the animal under the supervision of the teacher.

Live animal presentations and assemblies under the supervision and control of a trained professional may at times have more unique animals and may not be allowed in the classrooms. These presentations are allowed in accordance with the provisions of this policy.

Exceptions to this policy are service animals and fish in an aquarium provided the fish are of a reasonable size and quantity.

Owners of pets and service animals brought on school property are liable for any harm or injury caused by the animal to other students, staff, visitors, and/or property.

The Superintendent shall appoint a person to serve as the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Coordinator for the school corporation. The IAQ Coordinator shall serve as the lead contact person for matters related to indoor air quality in the facilities operated by the school Corporation. The IAQ Coordinator contact information shall be available to all students, parents, employees, and visitors by publishing the information on the school corporation’s website and in school handbooks. The school corporation shall also notify the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) of the IAQ Coordinator’s name and contact information.

Each school facility is to meet criteria established by the ISDH. During inspections by the ISDH, the inspector will investigate any condition that is or could be contributing to poor air quality including, but not limited to the following: carbon dioxide levels, humidity, evidence of mold or water damage, and excess dust.

Criteria established by the ISDH are as follows: