Policy 3246 - Restraint, Isolation, And Other Uses Of Reasonable Force

It is the policy of the Richland School District’s Board of Directors that the district maintains a safe learning environment while treating all students with dignity and respect. The intent of this policy is to promote the safety and welfare of students and staff in the Richland School District. The district’s emphasis is on prevention and de-escalation so that students in the District may remain free from the use of restraint, isolation and other uses of reasonable force. 

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

The Richland School District supports the various programs and services that motivate, teach and support positive behavior to create a school climate that is highly conducive to learning. It is expected that school staff will implement positive behavior supports and interventions as well as constructive methods to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations. 

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 71.05.020 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 students 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 use of student “offices” is excluded from this policy. Student “offices” include small rooms within the classroom designed for student instruction and work completion. 

Violations of this policy by any staff member or other individual working at the direction of, or under the supervision of a staff member, may result in disciplinary action, up to and including possible termination of employment status and/or termination of contract for service. 

The superintendent or 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 or designee will annually report to the board on incidents involving use of force. 

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