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School committee approves updated restraint and bullying policies; new rules to align with DESE
Summary
The committee approved updated Bullying Prevention & Intervention and restraint policy language to align with DESE requirements, clarifying seclusion versus timeout, adding grievance procedures and new documentation rules that take effect ahead of the August rollout. Vote was 7–0.
The Medford School Committee approved updated district language for the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan and for restraint procedures after Director of Student Services Joan Bowen presented the changes and fielded members’ questions.
Bowen said the draft adds specific statutory language requested by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). "This plan shall afford all students the same protection regardless of their status under the law," she read, calling out language to ensure IEP and 504 teams consider supports for students whose disabilities affect social skills.
On restraint, Bowen said the revisions reflect new DESE regulations effective Aug. 17, 2026. The update distinguishes seclusion from timeout, clarifies prerequisites for emergency seclusion or prone restraint, requires grievance procedures, and lists documentation and reporting requirements. Bowen said district staff are working with legal counsel and the Misituck therapeutic program to prepare training and documents for implementation before the new school year.
Members asked follow-up questions. Member Parks sought clarity on parental consent for seclusion; Bowen said the district would not use seclusion without parental permission and that seclusion is not a current district practice. Bowen described existing practice: timeout and sensory rooms used voluntarily or when staff choose those options, with documentation and DESIE reporting required for restraints.
The committee approved the updates in a recorded roll call: seven yes, zero no. The policy changes will be implemented with training and documentation, and the director will oversee annual reporting to DESE as required.
