Committee adopts several policy updates, approves handbook and commissions policy review service

The Malden School Committee on June 1 approved a package of policy actions including adopting updated model language on timeout, seclusion and physical restraints and amending school-choice wording, the policy chair reported.

Ms. Rose Aiberg said the policy subcommittee recommended aligning local policy with MASC’s updated model language to meet DESE requirements, including changes to JKAA (titled in MASC materials as timeout, seclusion and physical restraints). The committee voted to accept the recommended language; members stressed the district will continue working over the summer to localize details and run changes past the district’s legal counsel before final operationalization.

Committee members specifically discussed whether Malden should require parent notification when a timeout room is used; several said they want that option on the table as the policy is localized. Ms. Rose Aiberg indicated the committee will prioritize that work in the policy review process.

The committee also approved amended language for JFBB (school choice) to add sibling priority and update legal references while leaving in place the district’s current decision not to participate in choice.

Separately, the committee authorized contracting with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) for policy manual development and approved the student-family handbook. The superintendent said AI working-group recommendations (on acceptable use and academic integrity) will be incorporated in fall updates.

The bullying prevention and intervention plan was discussed at length; members asked for clearer timelines for investigations, broader caregiver-notification wording (beyond the word "parent") and more cyberbullying guidance. The committee unanimously referred that plan back to the policy subcommittee for revision.