May 2026 MASC Policy Newsletter
MASC Policy Update
In our regular review of policies for public school districts, MASC shares the following recommended policy updates. Last year, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education passed new regulations on the use of seclusion and restraint in schools, releasing guidance for those regulations earlier this year. This update requires substantive changes in district policy in this area before the August 2026 deadline. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health revised regulations on the administration of medication in schools, requiring a substantial update to a current policy and an addition of a policy covering self-medication.
We have also taken this opportunity to share recommendations to update, align, and make clearer current policies.
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Policies to review:
ECAB: Access to Buildings and Grounds (Download Here)
The current model policy contains a potential conflict with policy ECA regarding authorized staff access to buildings outside of school hours. Add “and to personnel whose work requires it” to the fifth paragraph after “in the authorized event.”
EEAEA: Bus Driver Examination and Training (Download Here)
The current model policy includes outdated language. The phrase “and proof of freedom from tuberculosis” from item 2 should be removed, as this is no longer a legal requirement.
JFBB: School Choice (Download Here) (Regional District JFBB Policy Download Here)
State law MGL Ch. 76: 12B (j) includes a sibling priority, which is not included in the model policy. In the list of requirements, add a new item 3) “That any sibling of a student already enrolled in the district shall receive priority for admission” and renumber the remaining sections.
KBG Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) (Download Here)
The policy language on Parent Advisory Councils has been updated to remove best practices and include the guidance regarding PACs not being subject to Open Meeting Law.
JKAA Time-Out, Seclusion, and Restraint of Students (Download Here)
This policy has been entirely rewritten to align with new state regulations. DESE requires this policy and the accompanying procedures to be in place by August 17, 2026.
JLCD Administration of Medication to Students (Download Here)
JLCDC Self-administration and Self-Carry of Medications (Download Here)
This updated policy (JLCD) and the new policy (JLCDC) to 105 CMR 210 align with regulation issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to provide for the safe and proper storage and administration of medications to students in the Commonwealth’s public and non-public primary and secondary schools. It also permits school nurses to delegate responsibility for administration of medications to trained, nursing-supervised, unlicensed school personnel.