Board hears explanation of restraint/seclusion policy changes and behavioral supports

During public comment and governance discussion, community members asked about policy 5561 (restraint and seclusion for students with disabilities) and whether Board staff consult Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Administration responded that the draft policy adds a reporting requirement: the superintendent or a designee must report all incidents of restraint and seclusion through the Student Safety Data System (SSDS).

Superintendent Miss Allen said the district does not have BCBAs on staff but will bring them in from outside agencies when a student’s needs warrant it, and that special‑education staff receive annual training (described in the meeting as a five‑hour training). Officials emphasized restraint is a last resort and that the district will share the draft policy on request while it remains in draft form pending governance review.