Unauthorized animals are not allowed in school buildings or on school grounds. Requests to include animals in the instructional program of the classroom or school shall be approved by the principal or designee (i.e. school nurse.). Health and safety issues involving students and staff shall be addressed before permission is given to allow the animal in the school.

The superintendent or designee shall develop procedures stating which animals are unauthorized as well as proper handling and caging procedures of animals in buildings or on school grounds in accordance with recommendations from the current “Health and Safety Guide for K-12 Schools in Washington” published by the State Department of Health and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

This policy does not apply to service animals for individuals with disabilities.

Management Resources:
Animals as Part of the Instructional Program - Policy News, February 2002

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: August 1985
Revised by the Board: 06.97, 1.08
Classification: Discretionary