School Committee approves restraint and seclusion policy
Amherst School Committee adopts new restraint and seclusion policy, votes to remove seclusion room doors. The committee voted 4-0 on May 7, 2026 to approve Policy JKAA, a comprehensive restraint and seclusion policy required by state regulations (603 CMR 46.00 and 603 CMR 18.00). The policy
Amherst School Committee Meeting · Meeting of September 15, 2026
Amherst School Committee adopts new restraint and seclusion policy, votes to remove seclusion room doors. The committee voted 4-0 on May 7, 2026 to approve Policy JKAA, a comprehensive restraint and seclusion policy required by state regulations (603 CMR 46.00 and 603 CMR 18.00). The policy establishes a goal of zero or near-zero use, with full staff training required by August 26, 2026.
Chair Deb Leonard conducted a site visit to Fort River Elementary's seclusion rooms, describing them as uncomfortable and unwelcoming. The committee voted to direct removal of all doors from the blue rooms within 48 hours and to require immediate family notification of any restraint, timeout, or seclusion use.
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Source: the Amherst School Committee Meeting meeting of September 15, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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