Boston Public Schools revises student incident documentation policy for privacy and safety

Boston Public Schools (BPS) is set to revise its student incident documentation policy, a move aimed at enhancing student privacy and safety. This decision comes in response to significant changes in the law that affected the role of school police officers, prompting a comprehensive review of how incidents are recorded in schools.

During the Boston School Committee meeting on April 16, 2025, BPS officials outlined the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in shaping the new policy. Superintendent Dr. Raymund highlighted that the revision is part of a regular review process to ensure policies remain current and effective. The previous policy, approved in 2020, became outdated after the law changed, leading to the removal of school police officers and their ability to file incident reports.

The new policy aims to strike a balance between protecting student privacy and fulfilling legal obligations to document incidents. Legal adviser Lorenzo DeSylvio and BPS senior director of compliance and civil rights, Jose Lopez, presented the revisions, which include a shift from detailed police reports to a more streamlined log that collects limited data on specific incidents. This change addresses community concerns about over-policing and the potential negative impacts of data collection on students.

Lopez noted that the revised policy enhances trust and oversight by establishing a working group to review incident logs and make recommendations. Additionally, training will now be provided to all staff involved in responding to safety incidents, ensuring a more informed approach to student safety.

Chief Izzy Marrero emphasized the importance of data collection for resource allocation while maintaining student anonymity. The policy aims to create a safer school environment without compromising the privacy of students involved in incidents.

The committee plans to revisit the proposed policy for a vote in a future meeting, with expectations of substantial community support following extensive consultations. The revisions reflect BPS's commitment to adapting to legal changes while prioritizing the well-being of students and families.