System Policies

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Descriptor Code JDA Issued 8/8/95, Rescinds JD Issued 8/14/90

No student has the right to interfere with the educational opportunities of other students. For that reason, it is expected that each student will observe a code of personal conduct that will allow every student the opportunity to learn in the Toombs County School System. The principal and faculty are charged with the enforcement of necessary rules of conduct that will provide for the efficient operation of the school. Although parents have the primary responsibility for the proper conduct of their children, school faculty members and administrators must have the authority to act in a reasonable and prudent manner in the place of the parent at the school setting.

Since violation(s) of certain school policies by students can jeopardize their right to attend Toombs County Schools, other alternatives for punishment in lieu of out-of-school suspension (OSS) may be considered; the use of corporal punishment is one such option.

Corporal punishment is authorized in the Toombs County School System by certified system administrators and teachers (substitute teachers and paraprofessionals are not authorized) under the following circumstances:

1. It must not be unduly severe
2. It should not be used as the first line of punishment for misbehavior (documentation of other means of punishment for correction of student's behavior must be evident)
3. It must be administered in the presence of designated professional employee(s) who has/have been informed beforehand, in the student's presence, of the reason for the punishment.
4. Upon request, the parent(s) will be provided written explanation of the reason(s) for the punishment and the name(s) of those present
5. It must not be administered to a student whose parent(s) on the day of enrollment have filed a statement prohibiting the use of corporal punishment for his/her child. Such request(s) must be made each year.

Corporal punishment is defined as reasonable bodily punishment justly and reasonably administered. It may be administered with a wooden paddle approximately 24 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick, provided for use by the Toombs County School System; smaller paddles for use with smaller and younger students (Pre-K - 5) will be provided by the Toombs County School System for use at the elementary school settings.

We believe that more suitable and more effective means of punishment may be available, and corporal punishment should be used when other alternatives have shown little or no effect in correcting a child's misconduct.

Students who cause discipline problems on school buses, extra-curricular activities, or other school related events are subject to the same corrective measures (including corporal punishment) as those who misbehave on the school campus.

If you have any questions about any Toombs County School System policies, please contact the Central Office ((912)526-3141) for assistance.

This page last updated 11:48 am Thursday, February 4, 2010