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March 1, 2021

feature, Mercer County

Sherrard CUSD-200 to pay $95k settlement for refusing 8 year old girl with service dog -

BY JOHN KRAFT & KIRK ALLEN

ON August 25, 2015

Sherrard, IL. (ECWd) -
Some good news!
Sherrard CUSD-200 school board tonight approved a settlement for more than $95,000 due to the school refusing to allow an 8 year old girl and her service dog to attend classes.

"Service Dog Not Allowed in School"

"Service Dog Not Allowed in School" has been the headline of many news articles and not what the family ever envisioned when Kellsey received her service dog in January of 2014.  Jasper started attending Sherrard Elementary with 8 yr old Kellsey in January until less than 1 month later the family was told that Jasper could no longer attend.   "That dog has to be with my daughter all the time," says Kellsey's mother.  "She takes full care of Jasper, and Jasper takes care of her" 
Kellsey was diagnosed with Epilepsy when she was only 20 months old.  Kellsey's parents haven't been able to sleep soundly ever since the horrific day they found her unresponsive and blue while taking a nap.  When the parents learned that a service dog might be able to help notify them of Kellsey's seizures they immediately applied and were on waiting lists for over 5 years.   Dreams finally came true after much hard work and commitment from trainers, Kellsey and the entire family.  Kellsey spent countless hours learning how to be an excellent handler to her furry angel Jasper.  After a trial week run at school back in January everyone was on board and everything in place for Kellsey and Jasper.

Continue reading at: Justice for Jasper
Local news is reporting this also at QCOnline.com (click here).
Press Release:

SherrardSettlement

Press Release - Click to enlarge


 
JusticeForJasper
 

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2 Comments
  • Mike Rekart
    Posted at 06:57h, 26 August

    The lack of common sense these days is astounding and of course the tax payers are now footing the bill! Good for this family!

    • Pam
      Posted at 12:41h, 26 August

      I couldn’t have said it any better myself Mike! Very well spoken comment! Some people in power are making decisions based solely on their personal feelings of “Empowerment” and not putting the American Family First! Especially our children! God Bless Kellsey, her service dog and her Family! People making bad decisions that ultimately cost tax payers a lot of $, need to be removed from their official position! Thank God for the Edgar County Watchdogs! It’s been a long time coming.

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2 Comments
  • Mike Rekart
    Posted at 06:57h, 26 August

    The lack of common sense these days is astounding and of course the tax payers are now footing the bill! Good for this family!

    • Pam
      Posted at 12:41h, 26 August

      I couldn’t have said it any better myself Mike! Very well spoken comment! Some people in power are making decisions based solely on their personal feelings of “Empowerment” and not putting the American Family First! Especially our children! God Bless Kellsey, her service dog and her Family! People making bad decisions that ultimately cost tax payers a lot of $, need to be removed from their official position! Thank God for the Edgar County Watchdogs! It’s been a long time coming.