Valders Area School District
Bylaws & Policies
 

5514.02 - STUDENT USE OF SERVICE/COMPANION ANIMALS

Service Animals

Service animals used by students requiring this type of assistance shall be permitted in all District facilities and at all school events.

"Service animal" means a guide dog, signal dog, or other animal that is individually trained or is being trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, including the work or task of guiding a person with impaired vision, alerting a person with impaired hearing to intruders or sound, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.

Guide dogs for students who require this type of assistance, as determined by the IEP or Section 504 team, shall be permitted access to all facilities, programs, and events of the District as required to deliver FAPE and provide equal access. The student must provide evidence of the dog's certification as required by State and Federal law for that purpose. If the dog is still in training, proof of liability insurance policy must be provided, and access by the dog permitted if appropriate under State law. Under State law no District may refuse entrance to dogs leading individuals who are deaf, blind or mobility-impaired if:

 A.such dog is wearing a harness, leash and special cape identifying the "lead dog" status; and

 B.the person has presented for inspection, credentials issued by a school training dogs for the blind, deaf, or mobility-impaired, see Wis. Stats. 106.52(3).

In that event, the District will provide appropriate access through other methods.

Companion Animals

A companion animal is any animal that does not qualify as a "service animal" within the statutory definition provided above.

In instances where parents believe that their child requires the assistance of a companion animal to effectively participate in the educational programs of the District the parent shall provide, if requested:

 A.a physician's written confirmation of the necessity of the animal;

 B.a veterinarian's written confirmation of the animal's appropriate immunizations;

 C.a copy of the animal's certification, if requested.

The parents shall meet with the Principal to identify other conditions under which the companion animal may be present in the classroom.

Companion animals may, with administrative approval, be permitted at co-curricular and extra-curricular events.

If approved by the Principal, a written copy of the initial approval, including the timelines for review of the decision, shall be given to the parent(s) and to each of the student's teachers.

The continuing presence of the companion animal is contingent upon conference with the parents, the student's classroom teachers and the Principal to review the impact of the animal on the student's academic performance and/or behavior.

106.52(1)(fm) and (3), Wis. Stats.

© Neola 2008