Trustees with the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board have approved a policy that accommodates students with service animals in the classroom.
The province had issued a directive to Boards to have policies in place by a January 1st deadline.
The Board gave its approval at Wednesday night’s meeting in a policy that’s tries to balance the educational needs of the student needing to be accommodated to improve their learning environment and the interests of other students and staff.
Board Superintendant Joe Chilelli says when approval is granted, the Board will take a number of steps including informing the wider school community…

Chilelli says the policy also calls for a student assembly and orientation.
Each request will be reviewed on an individual basis and the Board will have the final say.
Chilelli talks about the different ways guide and service dogs can assist a special needs student in a classroom…

In exceptional circumstances, the Board will consider an application for service animals other than dogs.
Chilelli says other service animals could be for therapy or a comfort for a student.