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School committee advances updated restraint and seclusion policy to second reading
Summary
The Rockport School Committee voted to accept an updated JKAA restraint and seclusion policy as a first reading to comply with a state law that takes effect in August; the policy revises definitions, time limits and physical-space standards for time-out and seclusion rooms.
The Rockport School Committee on Wednesday moved an updated JKAA restraint and seclusion policy to a second reading and final vote. The policy change responds to a state law scheduled to take effect in August and will return to the committee for a second reading in two weeks.
Mark Bracco, the superintendent, said the main changes are to "the definition of seclusion, time restrictions, what the physical space is" and noted the subcommittee worked with the district attorney to draft language that aligns with the new statute. The policy will replace the existing JKAA language and was accepted by the full committee as a first read after a subcommittee recommendation.
Committee members emphasized that specifics on time limits and the design of allowable spaces (often described as time-out rooms) are intended to reduce use and clarify oversight. The committee voted to accept the policy for first reading; it will return for a second reading and final passage at the next meeting.
