School Committee Adopts Restraint-Seclusion Policy, Orders Door Removal
Amherst School Committee approved a revised physical restraint and seclusion policy on a 4-0 vote. The April 12, 2026 Policy JKAA establishes a goal of zero or near-zero use for restraint incidents and orders immediate removal of doors from designated restraint rooms within 48 hours. The policy
Amherst School Committee Meeting · Meeting of October 13, 2026
Amherst School Committee approved a revised physical restraint and seclusion policy on a 4-0 vote. The April 12, 2026 Policy JKAA establishes a goal of zero or near-zero use for restraint incidents and orders immediate removal of doors from designated restraint rooms within 48 hours. The policy requires families receive immediate notification following any incident with documentation within 12 hours and prohibits the district from requiring non-disclosure agreements.
The committee also voted 4-0 to formally support a Special Education Parent Advisory Committee statement calling for a neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach to special education. The superintendent must present training materials for committee approval by June 16, 2026, with implementation by August 26, 2026.
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Source: the Amherst School Committee Meeting meeting of October 13, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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