Lexington School Committee Adopts Revised Student Restraint Policy Ahead of State Deadline

LEXINGTON — July 22, 2026 — Lexington School Committee unanimously adopts revised student restraint policy and Pride Month proclamation at summer remote meeting. The five-member board voted 5-0 on July 22 to approve revised Policy JKKA — Time-Out, Seclusion and Restraint of Students — required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, with a compliance deadline of August 17. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Hackett told the committee the district has already incurred legal training costs through outside counsel Stoneman, Chandler and Miller and does not expect to need new staff, but warned that the four key policy changes "will create more work for people" at a time when the district is managing the aftermath of a reduction in force. Members Eileen Jay and Mona Roy flagged implementation concerns, specifically provisions requiring principal or parental pre-authorization before certain interventions — difficult to obtain, they noted, when incidents arise suddenly. A follow-up implementation webinar with outside counsel is set for July 27, and a joint council meeting covering operational details is scheduled for August 18. The committee also voted 5-0 to formally adopt a Pride Month proclamation drafted by Member Roy, recognizing June as Pride Month for Lexington Public Schools and affirming the district's commitment to LGBTQ-plus students, families, and staff.