School Committee approves new restraint policy

School Committee · Meeting of July 27, 2026

Hadley School Committee adopted an updated restraint and seclusion policy and approved June payroll. Superintendent of Schools Anne McKenzie told members the state's final budget set Chapter 70 aid at $1.5 million, about $35,000 higher than anticipated, with the town's net position roughly $57,000 better than budgeted after accounting for shifting charter and school choice numbers. Members Christine Pipczynski and Paul Phifer moved and seconded approval of policy JKAA, which the committee passed unanimously to comply with a state law change on physical restraint, effective by an August 17 deadline McKenzie cited.

McKenzie also reported stage and girls' locker room renovation projects remain on budget despite asbestos found in ceiling texture at the stage and a schedule delay tied to contractor permitting on the locker room. The committee set its retreat for August 31 at Hopkins Academy to discuss HVAC financing options and capital planning.

In the full story:

• Agenda Adjustments and Public Comment
• Budget Update: Final State Budget and Chapter 70 Aid
• Policy JKAA: Restraint and Seclusion Policy
• School Committee Retreat Planning
• Superintendent Updates and Grant Activity
• Business Manager Report: Stage and Locker Room Construction
• Action Items: Payroll and Warrants
• School Committee Updates: CPAC/CES, Finance, Capital and Policy
• General Announcements and Liaison Reports
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,173 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of July 27, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.