School committee unanimously accepts grant to prepare for updated time-out regulations

The Northborough School Committee voted unanimously on March 4 to accept a state grant to help the district prepare for updated regulations governing time-out and calming spaces.

A district administrator explained the changes and said the grant will fund professional development, tier 2/3 intervention training, restorative-practices supports and classroom-organization work to comply with new rules that tighten how time-out and calming spaces may be used. “One example is that the new regulations say you cannot stop a child from exiting a calming space if they choose to leave,” the administrator said, noting that staff must now plan alternative de-escalation strategies.

The committee moved and seconded the acceptance of the grant; a roll-call recorded unanimous approval from members present. District leaders said funds will be used for capacity building, educator training, and preventative strategies so staff can implement the rules when they take effect in the coming school year.

Committee members asked for a brief summary of the regulatory changes for distribution to staff and parents; administrators said they will prepare materials and incorporate grant-funded training into the district’s student-support planning.