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Committee hears first reading on revised restraint and seclusion policy as state moves to restrict seclusion
Summary
At first reading the committee reviewed a state-driven policy rewrite intended to eliminate seclusionary practices. Staff warned language is still evolving, raised training and reporting questions, and said they will return with clarifications before a second reading.
Committee members received a first reading on a substantially revised restraint-and-seclusion policy (JK22) following a recent state regulation that seeks to limit seclusionary practices in schools.
A staff presenter told the committee the state is asking districts to eliminate seclusion in most circumstances but that implementation language is still being developed. "The state really wants to eliminate the practice. Uh, there are some possible exceptions," the presenter said, noting the district is working with neighboring districts and regional collaboratives while awaiting clearer state guidance.
Members pressed for details about reporting obligations, time bounds, and safeguards for both students and staff. One member said the draft policy appeared less prescriptive about documentation than the prior policy and urged the committee to preserve clear timelines and reporting rigor. Staff responded that some reporting specifics will likely be defined in the final regulation and that the policy would reference the state reporting requirements.
Staff also said the district is planning professional development and de-escalation training for staff and administrators and acknowledged unanswered implementation questions. The committee did not vote on the policy and expects additional language and a second reading after state guidance is finalized.
