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Committee reviews state‑aligned policy updates and readies response to proposed cellphone restrictions
Summary
Committee member Miguel walked the board through multiple state‑recommended policy updates — including building access (ECAB), parent advisory councils (KBG), self‑medication (JLCDS), bus training, school choice (MGL ch.70 §12BJ), and a rewritten seclusion/restraint policy (JKAA) — and flagged pending state legislation proposing cell phone limits for students.
The Swampscott School Committee reviewed a package of policy updates on May 28 intended to align district policies with recent state regulations and model language, committee member Miguel told the board.
Miguel outlined several items supplied through the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC): a revision to policy ECAB (access to buildings and grounds) that adds a clause allowing personnel access "whose work requires it;" KBG (parent advisory councils) updates that clarify special education PAC membership and bylaws; JLCDS updates on self‑medication and delegation that reflect revised Department of Public Health guidance permitting delegation of medication administration to trained, supervised unlicensed personnel; minor bus driver examination/training language updates removing an obsolete tuberculosis requirement; and school choice language that incorporates sibling priority consistent with MGL chapter 70, §12BJ.
Members emphasized one time‑sensitive item: JKAA (timeout, seclusion and restraint) has been rewritten to comply with new state regulation and accompanying procedures must be in place by Aug. 17. Miguel asked staff to circulate draft policy language to the superintendent and relevant staff (nurse Emily Silly and others) and return the policy for vote at a subsequent meeting.
The committee also discussed pending state legislation addressing social media and school cell phone use. The committee noted the House and Senate have approved differing versions that would require schools to secure student devices or otherwise make them inoperable during the school day, but both bills allow documented exceptions for students with IEPs or medical needs. Chair Pastor urged the public to engage with state representatives, saying the district "will have a policy in place and then the superintendent and team will have to figure out a way to have that procedure in place." Members said they expect to adapt district procedures once final state requirements are clear.
No policy votes were taken at the meeting; most items will return after staff review and circulation to committee members.
