| School Board of Alachua County |
| Bylaws & Policies |
5600 - STUDENT DISCIPLINE
The Board acknowledges that conduct is closely related to learning -- an effective instructional program requires an orderly school environment and the effectiveness of the educational program is, in part, reflected in the behavior of students.
The Board believes that the best discipline is self-imposed and that students should learn to assume responsibility for their own behavior and the consequences of their actions. The Board will not tolerate violent, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior by its students.
The Board shall require each student of this District to adhere to the Code of Student Conduct adopted by the Board and to submit to such disciplinary measures as are appropriately assigned for infraction of those rules. Such rules shall require that students:
| A. | conform to reasonable standards of socially-acceptable behavior; | |
| B. | respect the person and property of others; | |
| C. | preserve the degree of order necessary to the educational program in which they are engaged; | |
| D. | respect the rights of others; and | |
| E. | obey constituted authority and respond to those who hold that authority. |
The Code of Student Conduct designates sanctions for the infractions of rules, excluding corporal punishment, which shall:
| A. | relate in kind and degree to the infraction; | |
| B. | help the student learn to take responsibility for his/her actions; and | |
| C. | be directed, where possible, to reduce the effects of any harm which may have been caused by the student s misconduct. |
The Superintendent, principals, and other administrators shall have the authority to assign discipline to students, subject to the Code of Student Conduct and, where required by law, to the student's due process right to notice, hearing, and appeal.
Employees of this Board having authority over students may take such action as may be necessary to control the disorderly conduct of students in all situations and in all places where such students are within the jurisdiction of this Board and when such conduct interferes with the educational program of the schools or threatens the health and safety of others.
No employee of the Board shall administer corporal punishment to any student (see Policy 5630, Corporal Punishment).
Discipline on Board vehicles shall be the responsibility of the driver on regular bus runs. When Board vehicles are used for field trips and other Board activities, the teacher, coach, advisor, or other Board employee shall be responsible for student discipline. A student who has been disorderly on a school bus may be suspended from transportation services consistent with Board Policy 5610.04, Suspension of Bus Riding/Transportation Privileges, and the Code of Student Conduct.
Discipline procedures are set forth in the Code of Student Conduct; Board Policy 2465, Discipline of Students with Disabilities; Policy 5610, Removal, Suspension, and Expulsion of Students; Policy 5610.02, In-School Suspension; Policy 5611, Due Process Rights; and Policy 5612, Student Hearings.
The Superintendent shall publish to all students and their parents the rules of this District regarding student conduct and the sanctions which may be imposed for breach of those rules.
The Superintendent shall inform the Board periodically of the methods of discipline imposed by this District and the incidence of student misconduct in such degree of specificity as shall be required by the Board.
F.S. 1001.43, 1002.20, 1003.31, 1003.32, 1006.07, 1006.08, 1006.09, 1106.10
Adopted 7/17/07