Region rejects new restraint and seclusion rules
School Committee · Meeting of October 1, 2026
PELHAM — Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee rejects restraint and seclusion procedures, 4-2. Parent advocate Sharon Ruth, speaking for the district's Special Education Parent Advisory Council, told the joint Pelham, Amherst and Regional school committees the proposed Policy JKAA procedures needed "additional review, discussion, and collaboration" before adoption. Members Anna, Tim, Bridget and Deb voted no; Sarah and Sarah Bass voted yes.
Superintendent Dr. Z said the district is already out of compliance with state regulation and expects a revised version back within three to four weeks. The same session unanimously approved amended Policy ACAA language across all three committees, 6-0 at the region, 4-0 in Pelham and 3-0 in Amherst.
After an extended fight over size, all three committees settled on a four-person joint committee, one Pelham and one Amherst elementary representative plus two regional members, to plan a future superintendent transition and search, with recommendations due back by December.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,472 words
Source: the School Committee meeting of October 1, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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