Policy JKAA on Time-out, Seclusion, and Physical Restraint Scheduled for Approval

What happened

The June 24, 2026 agenda schedules approval of Policy JKAA (Time-out, Seclusion, and Physical Restraint of Students), skipping the normal two-meeting first/second read process because the policy must be in place by August to align with amended state regulations (603 CMR 46.00, effective August 17, 2026).

Why it matters to families

This policy governs when and how school staff may physically restrain or seclude students, directly affecting student safety and legal rights; the district is compressing its normal review timeline to meet a state compliance deadline.

The evidence

Agenda item 6A: 'Approval of Policy JKAA - Time-out, Seclusion, and Physical Restraint of Students.' Minutes from June 10 state: 'The policy must be in place by August, so the Committee intends to review and approve it at the June 24, 2026, meeting, rather than holding separate first and second reads over the summer.'

The source