Lesser Testifies on School Discipline Bill

State Rep. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, issued the following press release today:

REP. LESSER WANTS TO KNOW EXTENT OF FARM HILL PRACTICE

Supports Bill Requiring Reporting, State Board of Ed to Produce Annual Report

State Representative Matt Lesser (D-Durham, Middlefield and Middletown), testified today in support of a bill (HB 5347) that would require the State Board of Education to report annually on how often physical restraint and seclusion on children are used in schools.

“While the role of parents in sounding the alarm was invaluable in this one instance, we need to ensure that we have adequate data to understand what is happening in our schools all around the state,” Lesser told the Children’s Committee.

Lesser’s legislative district includes the Farm Hill Elementary School in Middletown, whose restraint and seclusion practices have received a great deal of attention from parents and the media.

“We need to learn more about restraint and seclusion practices, not just in this one school, but around the state.” Lesser said.

Current law states that restraint and seclusion can only be used on students receiving special education in emergency situations and when required by a student's individualized education program (IEP). The proposed bill also requires schools to report when they use physical restraint or seclusion and whether the practice is part of a student’s IEP or was an emergency.

State Representative Matt Lesser is serving his second term representing the 100th Assembly District of Durham, Middlefield, Rockfall and Middletown. He is Vice Chair of the state legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee.