2030: Service Animals in Schools

The Bellevue Board of Directors acknowledges its responsibility to permit students and/or adults with disabilities to be accompanied by a “service animal” as required by federal laws and Washington State’s law against discrimination. This policy governs the presence of service animals in the schools, on school property, including school buses and at school activities.

A “service animal” means an animal that is trained for the purpose of assisting or accommodating a disabled person’s sensory, mental or physical disability.

The parent/guardian of a student who believes the student needs to bring a service animal to school or an employee who wishes to bring a service animal to school, must submit a written request to the building principal. The building principal, in consultation with the Section 504 coordinator or director of special services, as appropriate, will determine how to accommodate the request for use of a service animal.

The superintendent will develop a procedure for use of service animals.

Cross Reference

• Board Policy 2161 Education of Students with Disabilities
• 2162 Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504
• 3210 Nondiscrimination
• 5010 Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action

Legal References

• American Disabilities Act (ADA), Revised Title II Regulations, §35 Service animals
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• RCW 28A.642 Discrimination Prohibition
• RCW 49.60.040 Definitions
• WAC 162-26 Public accomodations, disability discrimination
• WAC 392-145-021(3) General Operating Requirements
• WAC 392-172A-01035 Child with a Disability or Student eligible for Special Education
• WAC 392-172A-01155 (3) Related Services
• WAC 392-190 Equal Educational Opportunity - unlawful discrimination prohibited