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District behavior team reports fewer restraints and a single seclusion incident in 2024–25; staff training emphasized
Summary
Behavior team trainers reported a multi‑year decline in restraint/seclusion incidents, outlined training (MANT) and intervention strategies, and noted that most incidents involve students with IEPs; four staff injuries were reported in restraint incidents last year.
District behavior staff presented the board with a report on incidents of restraint and seclusion for 2024–25 and an overview of training and prevention work.
Krista McGuire, director of programs, and district MANT trainers Rebecca Wellman and Jacob Peterson explained the district’s approach to crisis prevention and the move to MANT (Mindful, Assertive, Non‑harmful Techniques) training from an earlier program. They emphasized healthy relationships, trauma‑informed practice and the crisis cycle as the foundation for de‑escalation and restraint‑avoidance work.
Key figures provided by the district included: 16 students experienced restraint last year; one student experienced seclusion; four restraint incidents resulted in injury to staff; and 94% of restraint incidents involved students on individualized education programs (IEPs). Trainers said restraint and seclusion are used only as last‑resort responses to imminent danger and that staff who use restraint without training are debriefed and supported.
The presenters outlined annual recertification and initial training for staff assigned to specialized programs, in‑school debriefs after incidents, targeted coaching, and newly adopted shielding/pad techniques as supplemental physical‑intervention options. The district also tracks related data and said it would share additional staff‑injury metrics with the board on request.
Why it matters: Because restraint and seclusion are legally sensitive practices and carry safety risks, districts are required to track incidents, provide training, and reduce use where possible. The district reported a downward trend in incidents since adopting MANT and described ongoing professional development to limit harm and improve preventative strategies.
Next steps: The behavior team will continue training, support debriefs after incidents and provide the board with additional related safety and staff‑injury data on request.
