Policy/Regulation Revisions

IMG/IMG-R Animals in School

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


Purpose: To bring to the School Board the above policy/regulation for adoption and first
reading.


In an effort to keep the School Board policies updated, members of the administration
and the Policy Review Committee will continually review the policies and regulations for
items that need to be added, deleted, revised, or in some cases, to update the language.
The above referenced policy/regulation has been drafted by administration and the
Policy Review Committee. The proposed policy establishes expectation and regulations for
having animals in schools. The intent of the policy is to allow the presence of animals, yet
provide for a safe school environment.
This policy will require a second reading. The policy will be posted for public review
on the School District website and will return to the Board on November 10, 2014.


Policy Review Recommendation to School Board: Acknowledge first reading of Policy
IMG/IMG-R Animals in School with the understanding that it will return for second reading
on November 10, 2014.
Report prepared by: Superintendents Office October 13, 2014
Presented by: School Board Member(s) on Policy Review Committee
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Instruction 3
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Animals in School 5
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The Sioux Falls School District recognizes that animals can offer valuable student 7
learning experiences. Animals may be allowed in schools only for specific and 8
appropriate educational purposes. Appropriate precautions must be taken to assure the 9
health and safety of students, staff, and visitors, and to assure the humane treatment 10
and protection of the animal. 11
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The Superintendent is authorized to develop regulations regarding animals in schools. 13
These regulations should give guidance on the safety and care procedures required for 14
animals on school grounds, including what animals are prohibited. 15
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Related Policies/Regulations: 18
19
J LCG/J LCG-R Program Access for Students with Disabilities or with 20
Substantially Limiting Health Impairments (Service Animals) 21
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23
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Policy Board Action 25
Adopted 26
27

SIOUX FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Policies and Regulations
NEPN Code: IMG

NEW POLICY



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2
Instruction 3
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Animals in School 5
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The Building Administrator/Program Administrator must first grant permission before 7
any animal is brought to school. A written request must be submitted detailing: 1) the 8
instructional purpose; 2) the type of animal; 3) the length of time the animal is expected 9
to be present; 4) a plan for the care and restraint of the animal; 5) and proof of the 10
animals good health, including proof of rabies and other vaccinations, if applicable for 11
the species. 12
13
The animals owner/handler shall maintain responsibility, control, and proper restraint of 14
the animal at all times. Animals will not be allowed to freely roam the classroom or 15
school, and will be restricted from areas where food is prepared or consumed. If an 16
animal becomes sick or aggressive, it shall be removed immediately. 17
18
Students and staff members with allergies, or other health conditions, must be 19
accommodated. If accommodations cannot be made, the animal must be removed. 20
21
Animals at a higher risk for transmitting rabies (e.g., bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes), 22
aggressive or unpredictable animals, and stray animals will not be allowed at school 23
under any circumstance. 24
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Wild, exotic, poisonous, or farm animals will only be allowed at school under the control 26
of an individual trained in the care and management of the animal and properly licensed 27
by state of federal agencies as appropriate (e.g., zookeepers, veterinarians, biologists, 28
Marine Fish and Wildlife personnel). 29
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Student contact with animals should always be supervised and students should be 31
instructed in the proper handling of the particular species. Students must be instructed 32
to immediately wash their hands after contact with any animal. 33
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Classroom Pets 35
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Before a classroom adopts a pet, the teacher shall submit a written request, as outlined 37
above. The care plan must include the teachers plan for the animal during scheduled, 38
or emergency, breaks from school. The teacher must have experience in caring for the 39
particular species and agree to take full responsibility for the animal, including taking the 40
animal to the veterinarian at least once a year, and as necessary. 41
42
Fish and small mammals (e.g., guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats) 43
may be appropriate classroom animals and students may handle and/or assist with the 44
care of these animals. Snakes, other reptiles, amphibians, insects, and spiders may 45
also be appropriate, but only when the animal was bred in captivity, is not venomous or 46
toxin-producing, and does not otherwise pose a health or safety risk. Students may not 47
SIOUX FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Policies and Regulations
NEPN Code: IMG-R

NEW POLICY

NEPN Code: IMG-R
Page 2 of 2
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handle and/or assist with the care of these animals. Birds and ferrets may not be kept 4
as classroom pets. Other animals, not strictly prohibited, may be considered for a 5
classroom pet on a case by case basis. 6
7
Parents and guardians must be notified of classroom pets before the pet is introduced 8
into the classroom. If the school is notified of a students health or safety needs, these 9
needs will take priority over the classroom pet. Parent/guardian consent is required 10
before a student will be allowed to help care for a classroom pet. 11
12
Animal enclosures must be sturdy, locked if possible, and appropriate for the specific 13
species. Animal enclosures must be properly cleaned on a regular basis. Students 14
shall not assist with cleaning the animals enclosure or disposing of animal waste. Fish 15
tank water should not be disposed of, and animal enclosures should not be cleaned, in 16
a sink or fountain that is also used for drinking water or food preparation. 17
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Injuries and Animal Escapes 19
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The nurse, Building Administrator/Program Administrator, and an injured students 21
parents/guardians must be notified immediately of all animal bites, scratches, or other 22
injuries. The appropriate public health and/or animal control officials shall also be 23
notified, as appropriate. 24
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If an animal escapes, all building staff should be notified to take extra precautions until 26
the animal is retrieved. Students should not be involved in the recapturing of an 27
escaped animal. The appropriate animal control officials should be contacted, as 28
appropriate. 29
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Exceptions 31
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This regulation does not apply to service animals defined by the Americans with 33
Disabilities Act. For guidance on service animals, please see J LCG/J LCG-R. 34
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Middle school and high school science classwork and science projects involving 36
animals must be under the supervision of a science teacher or other trained 37
professional. 38
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Related Policies/Regulations: 41
J LCG/J LCG-R Program Access for Students with Disabilities or with 42
Substantially Limiting Health Impairments (Service Animals) 43
44
45
Policy Board Action 46
Adopted 47
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