Strengthening Student Supports Fam

Dear SSD Families,

As we prepare for the 2026-27 school year, Special School District is implementing several updates to student support practices across the District. These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to providing safe, supportive learning environments and using best practices to meet the needs of every student.

What is Changing

Beginning this school year, SSD is eliminating its use of seclusion and supine restraint in all SSD schools, programs, partner districts, and contracted partner settings. These changes reinforce our continued focus on proactive, student-centered approaches to supporting behavior, and are consistent with the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) guidance on crisis response. Physical restraint will continue to be used only when the student’s behavior poses an imminent danger of physical harm to the student or another person.

While these updates represent important changes, many of the practices that support your student's learning and well-being will remain the same. SSD staff will continue to use a wide range of evidence-based strategies to support students with complex needs. Additionally, annual training on crisis response, de-escalation, and safe intervention will remain in place.

To support these changes, SSD is updating staff training, documentation, monitoring, and reporting practices to improve consistency, strengthen accountability, and enhance the resources available to support students and staff safely and effectively. The District is also updating related Board of Education policies and regulations to reflect these changes.

What Does This Mean for Your Student

These updates are designed to strengthen the supports available to students while ensuring staff have the tools, training, and resources needed to respond safely and effectively. Students will continue to receive the services and supports outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEPs), and decisions about a student's educational program will continue to be made through the IEP process in partnership with families.

Moving Forward

SSD continues to work collaboratively with the DOJ towards a resolution and will share more information when it becomes available.

The safety and well-being of every student remains central to everything we do. We appreciate your continued partnership and the trust you place in SSD to support your student.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Maclin