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Board holds first reading of revised restraint-and-seclusion policy after state law changes; parents to get immediate notice and review rights
Summary
Superintendent presented a first reading of an updated restraint-and-seclusion policy reflecting recent state changes: immediate parent access to recordings, invitation to review meetings, video retention practices, and expanded staff training requirements (MANT/MAT).
The North Santiam School District Board heard a first reading of a revised restraint-and-seclusion policy that administrators say aligns district practice with changes in Oregon law.
Superintendent Lee Loving told the board that Senate Bill-driven changes require immediate notice to a parent or guardian and access to any existing record, including audio or video, of a restraint or seclusion. “The addition of immediate notice to a parent or guardian of any existing record, including audio, video of a seclusion or restraint” is now reflected in the administrative regulation, Loving said, and parents would also be invited to review meetings about those incidents.
Administrators explained practical implications: video cameras exist in some common areas (for example, hallways) and those devices capture audio and video that could be part of an incident record; the district currently retains recordings on a hard drive and said typical retention practice is seven years after a student graduates. District staff also said they have trained personnel in MANDT/MAT restraint protocols and that training is required for staff who may need to perform restraints. Superintendent Loving said the district will add volunteers to the list of people who must receive approved training.
Board members pressed for additional clarifications. Trustees asked how frequently recordings are created, how long the district will retain them under law, and how the policy applies to law enforcement acting on campus; administrators said law enforcement remains operationally separate and the district will check with insurance (PACE) and OSBA for guidance about jurisdiction and liability. One trustee asked for a future presentation on the number and context of restraint events and to see MAT training materials.
The board did not vote on the policy — this was a first reading — but gave staff direction to revise language and follow up with risk and legal partners before bringing it back for adoption.
Next steps: staff will consult with PACE (insurance) and OSBA on law-enforcement interactions, provide a data presentation on incidents and training, and prepare the policy and AR for second reading.
