It shall be the policy of the River Valley School District to permit the use of available school accommodations by blind, deaf or mobility-impaired persons being led by a dog that is specially trained to lead or provide support for such persons. It shall further be the policy to permit the use of such available accommodations by trainers of such dogs for the purpose of training the dogs.
The following conditions shall be met by any trainer wishing to use the facilities of the River Valley School District for the purpose of training dogs to lead or provide support for deaf, blind or mobility-impaired persons:
1. The dog must at all times wear a leash, training collar, harness, backpack with harness underneath, or special cape. The logo of said business incorporated to train assist canines must be visible on either the leash, backpack, harness, or special capes.
2. The trainer, before first using the school facilities, must present to the District Administrator, for inspection, credentials issued by a school for training dogs for the blind, deaf or mobility-impaired and inform all teachers, administration of local building, and support staff of intent to actively train on school property, and/or train during regular school hours.
3. Only dogs six months of age and older be permitted under this policy, and with the following guidelines:
Dogs six months to nine months be allowed during school hours twice a week for only two hours per day.
Dogs nine months to twelve months be allowed during school hours three times a week for not more than three hours per day.
Dogs twelve months and older and still in Foster Care to be allowed for 1/2 day, four days a week during regular school hours.
For purposes of this policy, "available accommodations" shall mean all the buildings and grounds of the District except for any kitchen or room used for food storage or preparation.
LEGAL REF.: Section 174.056 Wisconsin Statutes
APPROVED: July 11, 1991
12/21/2004 pw