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Policy committee reviews updated behavior-supports policy, clarifies SRO and seclusion rules
Summary
Kennett Consolidated School District policy committee discussed revisions to draft Policy 1-13.2 (behavior supports) to align with recently adopted discipline policy for students with disabilities, confirmed that school resource officers will not serve as crisis-intervention team members, and noted that seclusion is not permitted under law.
Kennett Consolidated School District policy committee members reviewed draft Policy 1-13.2 on behavior interventions for students identified with disabilities, saying the revisions are intended to align district practice with Chapter 14 regulations and the district's new Policy 1-13.1 on discipline for students with disabilities.
Cassandra Jones, director of pupil services and supports, told the committee the policy draws on the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) model policy but incorporates significant changes recommended by the district's special education council. She said the policy’s purpose is to ensure compliance with Chapter 14 and to set procedures for functional behavioral assessments (FBA) and positive behavior support plans (PBSP) when students exhibit challenging behavior.
Board member Toya Myers asked whether school resource officers (SROs) would participate in crisis-response teams for students with disabilities. Jones said SROs would not be members of teams trained to administer behavioral interventions or restraints; law-enforcement involvement is handled separately under the student code of conduct and only when reporting requirements or safety considerations demand it. "We really like to ensure that that is separate from law enforcement action," Jones said.
Members also discussed seclusion language that had been removed from the draft. The committee heard that seclusion is not referenced in the district policy because it is prohibited by state law; Jones said violations would therefore be legal violations handled through human-resources and not treated as a discretionary district practice.
The committee emphasized that when law enforcement is involved with a student with a disability the district will review or, if needed, conduct an FBA and develop or revise a positive behavior support plan to reduce the chance of repeat incidents. Jones described the approach as student-centered and focused on supports rather than punitive responses.
No vote was taken at the non-decision meeting; staff presented the draft for committee feedback and indicated it will be returned for further review and considered for placement on a future board agenda.
