This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to authorize the use of corporal punishment in public schools, reversing the previous prohibition. Specifically, it deletes the language that abolished corporal punishment and introduces provisions allowing principals to administer moderate corporal punishment in accordance with rules set by the State Board of Education and county boards. Additionally, the bill mandates that these boards adopt policies promoting alternatives to corporal punishment, including training for school personnel and parental involvement in maintaining school discipline.

The bill also outlines the authority of teachers and school personnel in managing student behavior, including the exclusion of students for disorderly conduct and the procedures for handling repeated disruptions. It emphasizes the importance of a tiered disciplinary system and provides guidelines for communication between teachers and principals regarding student exclusions. Furthermore, it establishes that suspension from school cannot be solely based on a student's failure to attend class, promoting alternative disciplinary methods. Overall, the bill aims to create a structured approach to discipline while reintroducing corporal punishment as a potential measure in public schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-5-1