Schools Panel Adopts Mandated Restraint Policy 8-1

School Committee · Meeting of August 20, 2026

Acton-Boxborough's School Committee approved a state-mandated seclusion and restraint policy 8-1, over objections that the panel's own policy subcommittee never reviewed it. Member Adam voted no and Andrew Schwartz abstained, both saying they'd gotten the draft only in June; Superintendent Peter said DESE required it in place by August 17 or the district risked liability. "It does show a really poor amount of our management of the duties that we have," Schwartz said.

On finances, officials reported a preliminary $5.82 million reserve, 4.75 percent of the fiscal 2027 budget, and an OPEB trust that grew to $10,888,000. The district also reorganized its elementary schools over the summer, cutting bus routes from 35 to 32, and is weighing using roughly $4 million in capital funds for high school rooftop units instead of seeking a taxpayer debt exclusion. The committee separately honored a student who died over the summer, whom officials identified as Siddharth.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,385 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of August 20, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.