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School committee reviews proposed time‑out spaces policy as DESE revises statewide seclusion rules
Summary
The committee opened first discussion on a new policy (P5327) governing time‑out spaces, noting the draft aligns with DESE rulemaking (603 CMR) and will be posted for public comment; members requested clarification about parental documentation language and operational impacts.
The School Committee reviewed a draft new policy (P5327) covering the district’s use of time‑out spaces and voted to waive the first reading so the draft could be posted for public comment.
Policy-subcommittee members said the draft reflects state-level conversations and recent DESE rulemaking about seclusion and restraint. Staff and committee members said the goal is to codify existing district practices, set expectations for behavior-support plans, and ensure compliance with forthcoming DESE changes.
Several committee members and one attendee on the subcommittee raised a question about a proposed requirement in the draft that parental documentation from a licensed clinician (for example, a physician, licensed mental‑health professional, or school psychologist) confirm a strategy will not negatively impact a student’s mental health. Committee members cautioned that language could be interpreted as an onerous or legally fraught certification for school-based clinicians and asked staff to review whether the phrasing is consistent with current practice and with DESE’s pending amendments to 603 CMR.
School leaders said time‑out rooms and related supports are already addressed through individualized behavior plans or IEP/team meeting processes, and that behavior plans typically include signatures from BCBA staff and parents before implementation. Members asked staff to review the proposed bullet points and to confirm whether required sign-offs or documentation would exceed current practice.
The committee approved waiving the first reading (motion was made and seconded; vote recorded as unanimous) and opened a 12-business-day public-comment period; staff noted the posted comment window would run in mid‑May to align with state timelines for rulemaking.
Ending: Staff will revise the draft to clarify documentation requirements and will bring an updated version back for committee review following the public-comment period and any additional DESE guidance.
