At the October Board of Education meeting, a new policy entitled Service Animals was introduced for a first reading. This policy will be brought back before the Board of Education at its regular meeting on November 4 for a second reading and potential enactment.
The draft policy is available online at this link: Policy V.50.80 Service Animals. The public is invited to share feedback with the Board by emailing comments to PIO@ccpsstaff.org. Comments will be accepted up until the close of business on October 30, 2025.
According to Board policy, new policies are reviewed by the Board at least two meetings prior to their adoption. Revised policies may be adopted after review at one meeting. The exception is a new policy that is required by the Maryland State Department of Education, which may be adopted with one reading by the Board.
Further information on the new policy:
Why is this policy needed?
CCPS currently does not currently have a policy governing the use of service animals by students, employees, or visitors. This proposed policy establishes guidelines and
procedures consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008.
What does this new policy say?
Caroline County Public Schools will permit individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by service animals in its facilities, school buildings, in classrooms, or at school functions, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disability Act Amendments of 2008 (ADAAA), and pursuant to the guidelines referenced in this policy.