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Committee advances seclusion and restraint policy amendment despite member opposition
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Summary
The committee voted to forward an amendment addressing seclusion and restraint for students with exceptionalities to the full board; members debated whether changes must be implemented this school year and a staff member said training and procedural language changes are already in place.
The Orleans Parish School Board Policy Committee on Dec. 16, 2025 advanced an amendment to policy IDDF (education of students with exceptionalities) that addresses seclusion and restraint, referring the item to the full board after brief debate.
A committee member said they understood that physical restraint is intended as a last resort but indicated that concern would likely lead them to vote no if the committee were finalizing the policy now. The member asked whether statutory changes must be implemented in the 2025–26 school year or could begin in 2026–27.
A district staff member responding for special education leadership said the district has "already provided the training and information during our special education leader convenings and have already modified the language as it relates to procedure" and that some individual schools had already moved ahead in anticipation of the statutory changes. The staff member also noted cameras and other items carry specific timelines (a February installation target was cited for cameras).
Despite the opposition voiced during discussion, the committee voted to move the amendment to the full board for consideration. The committee directed staff to clarify the exact implementation timeline and report back to the board so members and the public can see whether changes are required immediately or can be staged.
The amendment is now scheduled for full board consideration; staff follow-up on timing and implementation details was requested.
