JGA - PROHIBITION OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

The use of corporal punishment, defined as any act of physical force on a pupil for the purpose of punishing that child, is not acceptable in this district and will not be tolerated as a disciplinary measure. The term will not apply, however, to the use of reasonable physical force in the following situations.

1. For self-defense;

2. To protect other persons from physical injury;

3. To protect property of the school or others;

4. To remove a student who has refused to comply with requests to refrain from disruptive behavior; and

5. To restrain or control a student that is out of control.

By law, physical force may be used by the Superintendent, principal, supervisor, and teachers and their aids and assistants. This authority extends to any person delegated to supervise children who are authorized to attend a school function away from school premises and to school bus drivers.

Any employee using physical force to control a student will document the incident in writing, with copies given to the principal and Superintendent by the close of the following school day. The Superintendent will keep the Board apprised of unusual or extreme incidents of the use of physical force.

In-service training for teachers and staff in the use of alternative, positive measures of discipline will be provided and the Superintendent will report to the Board annually regarding training programs provided to staff.