Policy 2030
Service Animals in SchoolsThe La Center School District 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 any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by the service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability.
It is a civil infraction to misrepresent an animal as a service animal.
The superintendent will develop procedures to implement this policy.
Cross References:
5010 – Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action
3210 – Nondiscrimination
2162 – Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
2161 – Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students
2029 – Animals as Part of the Instructional Program
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 accommodations, 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 education opportunity – Unlawful discrimination prohibited
Management Resources:
2018 – December Policy Issue
Classification: Encouraged
La Center School District
Adopted: June 24, 2025