Tumwater School District updates policy on service animals 

The Tumwater School District (TSD) Board of Directors unanimously approved revisions to Policy 2030 (Service Animals In Schools) at a meeting on July 23. 

The move is aimed at ensuring compliance with federal and state disability laws.

TSD Executive Director of Special Services Chris Burgmeier wrote in a memorandum that service animals may be necessary accommodations that enable individuals with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. 

“The district is committed to providing equal access and opportunity for students, employees, parents, and community members with disabilities,” Burgmeier wrote. 

The policy sets expectations regarding the presence of service animals in district buildings and on district property, clarifying the rights of individuals with disabilities while outlining procedures that support safety, educational operations and compliance with laws. 

“It goes back to our ability to just make sure that the animal has been trained to do a task for the individual and we are able to ask about the task and the training if this animal has been trained, but not in regards to the disability itself,” said Burgmeier at the meeting. 

The revisions also reduce confusion between service animals, therapy animals and emotional support animals. Burgmeier said the revisions added miniature horses, alongside dogs, as service animals.