Scott Louser was selected as president of the Minot School Board during a reorganizational meeting that seated new member Matt Bianco on Thursday, July 9. Lacey Laudenschlager was selected as vice president of the board.

The board also adopted policies for use of therapy and service dogs in the schools and the use of animals for educational purposes.

Superintendent Scott Faul said a group has been meeting to discuss therapy dogs in schools, look at other school districts’ policies and seek outside legal advice. Principals have been allowing therapy dogs in schools and were able to get feedback from staff, he added. The new policy that is specific to therapy dogs will create more consistency across the district and set the schools up for success, he said.

The therapy dog policy outlines criteria including documentation of certification as a therapy dog, registration of the handler, vaccination and liability insurance. Notification of a therapy dog in the building also needs to be made to employees, students, parents and guardians. Volunteer handlers not employed by the district would need to complete a background check.

No certification document is required of service animals but animals must be vaccinated and licensed.

The policy also provides for revocation of use of therapy or service dogs in event of a health or safety threat to others, not properly controlled or housebroken or the presence has interfered with or altered an educational program or activity. In the case of revocation of service animal permission, the district may offer alternatives such as employing an aide.

Permission for use of animals for educational purposes or participation in an outside educational activities involving animals will be at the discretion of the school’s principal based on criteria set by the superintendent.