DISCIPLINE

The School Board believes that one of the major functions of the public schools is the preparation of youth for responsible citizenship.  The district shall foster a learning environment which reinforces the concepts of self-discipline and the acceptance of personal responsibility.  Students are expected to progress from being adult-directed to self-directed with minimal application of disciplinary measures.

The Board recognizes that there must exist certain disciplinary policies and regulations relating to student conduct which delineate acceptable behavior and provides the basis for sound disciplinary practices within each school in the district in order to maintain an environment conducive to learning.  These policies and regulations will be enforced fairly and uniformly and consistently without regard to race, creed, color or sex.

(cf. 0410 – Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)
(cf. 5131 et seq. - Student Conduct)

The administration, teachers and classified staff share mutual responsibility for the enforcement of district policies and regulations pertaining to student conduct and safety.  The Board shall give reasonable support and assistance to employees with respect to student discipline.  The Board shall review its policies related to student rights and responsibility at least once every three years and shall modify its policies as needed in accordance with law.

The Board recognizes that not all students will adhere to district rules for appropriate behavior.  Sufficient support services shall be provided so that continually disruptive students will not be returned to regular classes without some modification of behavior.  Students may be assigned to other alternative programs or be subject to removal from school.

In an effort to establish disciplinary procedures that are effective in reducing student truancy and misbehavior and do not interrupt the educational process, the School Board, Superintendent, or designee may authorize in-school suspension as an alternative to out-of-school suspension.  In-school suspension removes the student from the school social scene while still requiring him/her to maintain the same basic school day schedule and to keep up with required academic assignments.  Failure to serve in-school suspension or removal from the in-school suspension program for disciplinary reasons shall result in out-of-school suspension or additional time assigned.

(cf. AR 5131 – Code of Conduct)

In-School Suspension

The Superintendent or designee shall publish district rules for student discipline which describe the district's behavior management plan and consequences for student misconduct.  Special care shall be taken when developing school rules to solicit the views of the school community, including administrators, teachers, school security personnel, parents/guardians and students.

School site rules must be strictly based on district policy, regulation and state and federal laws and be enforced fairly and uniformly.

At the beginning of each school year, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that every student and his/her parents/guardians are notified in writing of the availability of Board policies and administrative regulations related to student rights and responsibilities.  Such policies shall be posted in accordance with law.  (4 AAC 07.030)

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is prohibited by law as a disciplinary measure against any student.  School administrators and teachers shall employ other means of disciplining students. 

(cf. 3514 - Safety)
(cf. 4158 - Employee Security)

The prohibition on corporal punishment does not prevent the use of reasonable and appropriate force by a teacher or other supervising employee which is necessary to maintain order or protect student welfare.  Reasonable and necessary force or physical restraint against a student may be used to protect the student, or others, from physical injury; to obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object; to maintain reasonable order in the classroom or on school grounds; or to protect property from serious damage or destruction.  The force shall not be greater than necessary to control the misconduct or dangerous situation. 

(cf. 3514 - Safety)
(cf. 4158 - Employee Security) 

Reporting to Law Enforcement

In addition to subjecting a student to discipline, any crime committed by a student while at school, on school grounds, or during any school sponsored activity on or off campus shall be reported to law enforcement.  Criminal proceedings are independent of actions taken by the School District.  The District may impose discipline for misconduct regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or a conviction is obtained.  The Superintendent should ensure cooperation with law enforcement in the criminal investigation of students who commit crimes while under the jurisdiction of the school.

(cf. 1410 – Interagency Cooperation for Student and Staff Safety)

Legal Reference:

            ALASKA STATUTES
            11.81.430 Justification, use of force, special relationships
            11.81.900 Definitions
            14.33.120-.140 School disciplinary and safety program

   ALASKA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
   4 AAC 07.010-4 AAC 07.900  Student rights and responsibilities
 

KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Revision Date:  3/26/03

• BP 5144