Teachers manage most common student discipline issues. Teachers and principals utilize different methods of discipline as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct Discipline Matrix (see below).

The following guidelines are to be used when corporal punishment is administered:

1. Only the principal or his/her designee will administer corporal punishment.

2. Corporal punishment must not be unduly severe.

3. Due process for the student must be provided.

4. Corporal punishment shall not be used as the first line of punishment for misbehavior.

5. Corporal punishment must be administered in the presence of a designated employee who has been informed beforehand in the student’s presence of the reason for the punishment.

6. The student’s parents will be provided a written explanation of the reason for the punishment and the name of those present.

7. Corporal punishment must not be administered to a student whose parents have filed a statement on the day of enrollment from a medical doctor against its use on the grounds that it is detrimental to the student’s mental or emotional stability.

[STATE REF.: State Standards B 1(1a.7) LEGAL REF.: O.C.G.A. § 20-2-730; 20-2-731; 20-2-732; Ingraham v. Wright, 430 U.S. 651 51 L.Ed.2d 711 (1977)]