LEWISTON — A new policy that students may not be restrained in ways that threaten their breathing was approved Monday night by the Lewiston School Committee.

The state is recommending school districts adopt such a policy and ensure that only trained professionals restrain or “hold” special education students who may be out of control.

The Child Welfare League of America reported in 2002 that eight to 10 children in the United States die from restraints, and that more suffer broken bones and joints.

And a series of reports published this summer in The Forecaster revealed that restraints in Maine schools were being used frequently and, in some cases, in violation of existing policies.

Since then the Maine Department of Education began telling schools to prohibit the use of airway-restrictive restraints on students, and that schools must maintain lists of all personnel who have restraint training, including the date, type of training and the name and qualifications of the trainer.

Last year the Lewiston School Department reported more than 100 restraints or therapeutic holds, Special Education Director George Veilleux told the Forecaster.

Monday night Veilleiux told the committee there’s sometimes a misconception to what a therapeutic hold is versus a restraint, and that all holds are done as a last resort. The holds are only done for safety; when there’s concern the student will harm himself or herself, or harm others.

Therapeutic holds are only done to elementary students, not to middle or high school students, educators said. A hold involves using a floor mat, where trained staff bring an out-of-control child on the mat on their stomachs while someone is holding their arms. No pressure is put on the student’s back that would threaten breathing, committee members were told.

In other business, Superintendent Leon Levesque told the School Committee that funding has been secured to make $2.5 million in energy improvements at Montello Elementary School and the Lewiston Middle School.

The improvements, which would be paid for in three ways: through the state, a 0 percent interest loan, and a bond, would include converting the middle school from burning oil to natural gas, and improving air ventilation at Montello.

Like other efficiency projects, the energy savings would pay for the improvements, Levesque said. The bonding will have to be approved by the Lewiston City Council. The projects will be again taken up again by the School Committee.

In other business, all Lewiston schools will soon offering flu vaccines, Human Resources Director Tom Jarvis said. This year’s vaccine will cover both the seasonal flu and H1N1, he said.

The vaccines will begin Oct. 25 and continue through Nov. 1, Jarvis said. Each school will hold clinics during one day. The Maine CDC has recommended that all children receive the flu vaccine this year, and is recommending all schools offer it.

— Bonnie Washuk