3246 - Restraint, Isolation, and Other Uses of Reasonable Force

BOARD POLICY No. 3246

RESTRAINT, ISOLATION AND OTHER USES OF REASONABLE FORCE

It is the policy of the Walla Walla School District Board of Directors that the district maintains a safe learning environment while treating all students with dignity and respect. All students in the district, including those who have an individualized education program (IEP) or plan developed under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, will remain free from unreasonable restraint, restraint devices, isolation, and other uses of physical force. Under no circumstances will these techniques be used as a form of discipline or punishment.

This policy is intended to address district students. It is not intended to prevent or limit the use of restraint or other reasonable force as necessary with adults or other youth from outside the district as allowed by law.

Use of restraint, isolation, and other forms of reasonable force may be used on any student when reasonably necessary to control spontaneous behavior that poses an "imminent likelihood of serious harm" as defined by RCW 70.96B.010 and Chapter 392-172A WAC and explained in the procedure accompanying this policy. Serious harm includes physical harm to self, another, or district property. Staff will closely monitor such actions to prevent harm to the student and will use the minimum amount of restraint and isolation appropriate to protect the safety of students and staff. The restraint, isolation, and other forms of reasonable force will be discontinued when the likelihood of serious harm has dissipated.

The superintendent or a designee will develop procedures to implement this policy, including review, reporting and parent/guardian notification of incidents involving restraint or isolation as required by law. Additionally, the superintendent will annually report to the board on incidents involving the use of force.

First Reading: May 17, 2016
Second Reading/Adoption: June 7, 2016