School committee accepts first read of updated restraint-and-seclusion policy

The Rockport School Committee voted to accept for first reading a revision to policy JKAA on restraint and seclusion, a change driven by an upcoming state law. The policy subcommittee presented the update and said it had worked with the district attorney to align definitions, time restrictions and specifications for physical spaces used for seclusion.

"We wanted to really be in compliance with that update to the law," the policy subcommittee representative said during the presentation. Committee members moved and seconded the acceptance of the policy as a first read; the policy will return in two weeks for a second reading and final passage. The subcommittee also indicated there are additional related policy updates (described in the meeting as "mask update" items) it hopes to bring forward for first and possibly second reads before the end of the year.

The committee was told the policy revision was prompted by state statutory changes that require clearer definitions of seclusion, limits on time, and standards for the physical spaces (for example, references to time-out rooms and how those spaces are described). Members were invited to direct detailed questions to the subcommittee in advance of the next meeting so staff can prepare answers; the subcommittee said the district attorney reviewed the language and the leadership team will continue to refine any operational details ahead of final adoption.

The action was procedural (first read) and no final vote on policy adoption occurred at this meeting. The committee will consider final passage at its next meeting after the second reading.