It is the policy of the Curlew School board of directors that the district maintain a safe learning environment while treating all students with dignity and respect. All students in the district shall remain free from the unreasonable use of force.

District staff may use reasonable force to maintain order or to prevent a student from harming him/herself other students and school staff or property.

Physical force is reasonable when needed to prevent or minimize imminent bodily in­jury or substantial or great bodily harm to self or others. If de-escalation interventions have failed or are inappropriate, reasonable physical force may be used to protect district property.

Use of a restraint device or chemical spray is reasonable only under the following conditions and only when used by authorized and trained district staff after de-escalation interventions have failed or are inappropriate:

1. If the student’s behavior poses a threat of imminent bodily injury or substantial or great harm to self or others

2. To prevent significant property damage.

Physical force, restraint devices, chemical spray or less than lethal devices will not be used as a form of discipline or punishment.

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 superintendent will annually report to the board on the use of force. The superinten­dent or a designee will develop procedures to implement this policy.

Adoption Date: 12.08

School District Name: Curlew School District

Revised: 12.08;11/23/10; 12/13

Classification: Priority