December 3, 2015 at 6:00 PM - Bethel Board of Education Policy Committee Meeting

Currently, the Bethel Board of Education has a policy and Regulation for the SRO.  I am suggesting aligning the policy with the goals and objectives of the SRO as outlined in the MOU.   Secondly, I am suggesting the MOU itself should be the regulation, as it outlines the duties, responsibilities and guidelines of the positions.  

Parent groups are requesting to have access to Directory Information.  The current policy and regulations limit the distribution of Directory Information to specific groups, which do not include parent groups.  In reviewing the current policy, there do seem to be inconsistencies regarding the type of groups that have access to directory information, that needs to be addressed.  In the attached existing policy and regulation, the administration has highlighted the areas that need to be reviewed and discussed.  

There were several changes within the legislation which a shift in legislation regarding restraint and seclusion.  The major changes include:  

1. Limits the use of restraint and seclusion except under certain circumstances (emergencies when the student is in danger to themselves or others);
2. Previous legislation only applied to special education students on Individualized Education Plans (IEP); the law now applies to all students; 
3. Provides guidelines on the physical structure of seclusion rooms;
4. Training requirements for staff;
5. Eliminating the use of seclusion as part of the IEP; and 
6. Prohibits prone restrains.  

I reviewed the Board's current policy and regulation and Shipman and Goodwin's model policy and regulation with Mrs. Budris, Ms. DiBiase and our two BCBA's.  We all are recommending using Shipman's model policy as our current policy needs significant revision.    The administration has made suggested changes to the policy to meet Bethel's needs.  

There were many changes in the legislation regarding attendance and tardiness to school.  As discussed at the Policy Committee, the administration reviewed the Shipman model policy and compared it to our existing policy.   We are recommending the BOE consider the adoption of the Shipman policy and regulation as amended by the administration.  Before coming to the BOE, the policy has been reviewed by the Central Office and building level administration.  The major changes in the legislation include:  

1. Absences associated with children of active service members when they are on leave.  
2. A new definition for chronic absenteeism.  
3. Requirements for a district committee when chronic absenteeism reaches a threshold.