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Board reviews updated restraint and seclusion policy; directors ask for clarification on seclusion cells and notification
Summary
The board reviewed OSBA‑updated JGAB policy and AR on restraint and seclusion, asked for clarity on definitions (seclusion cell vs. calming room) and notification procedures, and requested administration follow up with details and confirm public availability of required reports.
The Newberg School Board on Tuesday reviewed proposed updates to its restraint and seclusion policy (JGAB) and its administrative regulation, and directors asked administration for clearer operational definitions and notification procedures.
The policy, updated with sample language from the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA), spells out permitted circumstances for physical restraint and seclusion, reporting requirements and the district’s prohibition on certain practices. "If we put a kid in a room and we don't allow them out, that's seclusion," Director Allen said in questioning; administrators clarified that a calm‑down room attended by staff is not seclusion, while a locked room that denies a student exit would meet the policy's seclusion definition.
Board members pressed for specifics about when parents are notified and how the required annual report to the Oregon Department of Education will be made available to the public. One director said she wants notification “as soon as reasonably possible” when restraint occurs; administrators said routine practice is to notify parents before the end of the school day and to call immediately for prolonged situations.
Directors asked administration to document the district’s operational procedures and reporting timeline in an AR so the public can find and understand the process. The board did not vote on the policy Tuesday; staff said the JGAB policy/AR will be returned in final, clean form in the next consent packet unless directors request further edits.
Ending: Directors raised operational questions about seclusion and restraint that administrators will address with follow‑up materials and a clarified AR; the board will have the opportunity to remove the item from the consent agenda if members want further discussion.
