Weston School Committee Unanimously Adopts Student Restraint Policy Ahead of State Deadline

WESTON -- June 1, 2026, Weston School Committee adopts a state-mandated student restraint policy and receives a new five-year strategic plan. The committee voted unanimously Monday to approve the Prevention and Criteria for Use of Physical Restraint, Emergency Seclusion, and Timeout of Students policy, which takes effect August 16 and was required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education following a federal complaint about the state's behavioral intervention practices. District counsel noted that last year Weston recorded eight restraints involving three students, with the 20-minute principal sign-off threshold, flagged by Member Stephen Dietz as too long, clarified as a documentation requirement rather than a summons trigger. Superintendent Karen Boni presented the district's five-year strategic plan through 2031, built around academic excellence, belonging and equity, and technology and communications, drawing pushback from Vice Chair Tiao Xie and Member Jane Li, who called for a stronger "AI-proficient district" anchor goal rather than specific action steps. "The train has left the station," Boni said, acknowledging AI's accelerating classroom presence. The committee also unanimously passed a consent agenda approving three new student clubs, including an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Club, and a vote on the strategic plan and school improvement plans is anticipated at the June 15 meeting.