Committee advances rewritten seclusion policy

School Committee · Meeting of July 29, 2026

RAYNHAM — Bridgewater-Raynham school panel advances a rewritten seclusion and timeout policy under new state rules. The committee voted unanimously to waive first reading of Policy JKAA, with Vice Chair Laura Conrad Laborento calling Massachusetts "a leader in this field of reducing seclusions and restraints." The vote followed public comment from Bridgewater parent Lauren Boyden, who said her son was placed in a "blue room" more than 250 times over two years, totaling over 25 hours, and asked that timeout-room doors be removed entirely. Superintendent Ryan Powers said the district must comply with the new regulations by August 14 even though final policy adoption isn't expected until August 23.

The committee also waived first reading of a home-education policy barring home-schooled students from graduation ceremonies, approved general ledger warrants dated July 23, and introduced two new administrators, Christa Sylvain and Dan McNally.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,021 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of July 29, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.