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Lakeland reports sharp drop in restraint and seclusion incidents; staff outlines revenue shortfalls
Summary
Lakeland School reported one seclusion and four restraints for 2025–26 and described training and behavior supports that contributed to the decline; staff also reported updated state revenue numbers and a projected shortfall in general state aid for the 2026 budget.
Staff reported to the board that Lakeland School recorded one seclusion and four restraints during the 2025–26 school year and described steps taken to reduce incidents, including staff training in non-restraint crisis interventions, expanded sensory spaces, and updated behavior-response systems.
"Very happy to report we only had 1 seclusion this year and there were only 4 restraints," Matt said, and he credited teachers, paraprofessionals and therapists for the reduction. He said the goal is to eliminate the use of seclusion and restraint where possible.
On budget matters, staff notified the board that general CDE aid posted at $1.2 million versus a budgeted $1.355 million, creating a shortfall; categorical aid receipts were ahead of budgeted timing, and staff said they will continue to monitor revenues and mitigate shortfalls through salary savings, interest earnings and other offsets while final 2026 figures remain uncertain.
The board approved forwarding the restraint and seclusion report to partner school districts for state reporting and acknowledged the forthcoming work to monitor and close any funding gaps.
