Board waives 30‑day tabling to adopt state‑mandated time‑out and physical‑restraint policy; schools to roll out training

The Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education on June 12 voted to waive the 30‑day tabling requirement and adopt Policy 73.50, governing the use of time‑out and physical restraint. District staff said the vote is required so the district can meet New York State policy and reporting obligations.

Superintendent Mark Lohrey and district personnel told the board the policy updates codify prohibitions on seclusion and aversive practices, narrow the circumstances when physical restraint is permitted (typically imminent danger to self or others), and create detailed documentation and reporting requirements. Maria (district staff) summarized that adopting the policy also triggers annual employee training and that the district is scheduling administrator training before the school year and roll‑out to staff at the start of the year.

Maria told the board the district is coordinating internal training and vendor resources: “This week, I met with Mr. Del Porto. He’s well versed in this type of training… He has already trained the safety officers.” The superintendent added that the training plan includes staff development days before school starts and targeted administrator sessions in August.

Board members asked about consequences and clarified that school disciplinary tools remain separate: staff discipline would follow collective‑bargaining and employment rules, while student discipline (including suspension) remains a principal’s authority when applicable. The policy also allows non‑punitive, voluntary calming spaces and sensory rooms; district leaders noted they are investing in sensory rooms at several schools.

The motion to waive the 30‑day tabling and adopt the policy passed by roll call.