The Cobb County School District (District) is dedicated to sound discipline practices in the continuing effort to provide students in the District an effective and safe learning environment, to promote learning, and to encourage maturity during the school day as well as during all school-related activities.

The District recognizes that parents/guardians are ultimately responsible for the behavior of their children, including their adherence to the Cobb County School District Codes of Conduct and other Administrative Rules. However, the Cobb County School District also recognizes concerns for the welfare of students from their entry on a school bus or school property to their return to the bus stop or when they leave school property. Therefore, schools will take appropriate actions in an effort to provide students and staff a safe and orderly environment.

RULE:

A. Maintaining proper student conduct shall be the joint responsibility of the school   

    principal, the faculty, and the other school employees.

B. Student Support Team Process:

    The Student Support Team process is designed to provide alternatives that build on    

    academic and/or behavioral strengths of students rather than focus on academic and/or

    behavioral deficits.

C. Age Appropriate Discipline:

    The District follows a policy of age appropriate discipline. To this end, factors to be

    considered in determining the consequences for students will include, but not be limited

    to age, the maturity level of the student, willfulness and intent, and other circumstances

    as are deemed appropriate by the principal or designee.

D. DIRECTIVES:

   To maintain proper student conduct, the following directives shall be observed:

   1. Students whose behavior requires the attention of the principal or designee shall be

       referred to the principal or designee’s office immediately.

   2. Corporal punishment shall not be used as a disciplinary procedure in the Cobb County

       School District.

   3. Groups of students should not be disciplined for the actions of an individual or

       individuals.

   4. Teachers shall not place students in the halls or other unsupervised areas of the

       schools as a disciplinary measure.

   5. When written work is used as a disciplinary measure, it shall be of an educational

       nature.

   6. Students who are allegedly guilty of misconduct or of violating the Student Code of

        Conduct and may be subject to out-of-school suspension shall be afforded the

        following:

        a. The student shall be given oral or written notice of the allegation against him/her

            and an explanation of the evidence the school authorities have regarding his/her

            involvement.

        b. The student shall be given an opportunity to state his/her version of events.

        c. If circumstances prevent the principal or designee from affording a student the

            opportunity to discuss his/her version of the events or the evidence:

            (1) The principal or designee will make a reasonable attempt to contact the

                  student as soon as practicable.

            (2) If such attempt is made and is unsuccessful, the principal or designee will

                   proceed with assigning the discipline.

    7. All disciplinary actions shall be in compliance with the Cobb County School District

          Codes of Conduct and other applicable Administrative Rules.

E. When, in good faith, reasonable force is used by school personnel to restrain a student

    who is perceived by school personnel to be a threat to themselves or others and as a

    result thereof, civil or criminal action is instituted by the student, guardian or parent on

    behalf of the student, the District will provide legal representation to the personnel

    involved pursuant to Administrative Rule EIB (Indemnification and Protection for District

    Personnel). Such representation will consist of representation by the Board of Education

    attorney or designee.

    1. It is recommended that whenever reasonable force is used, that each employee

        involved shall construct an anecdotal report of all facts pertaining to the incident and

        their role in the incident.

    2. In the event that criminal or civil action may be instituted, the incident shall be

        reported to the Area Assistant Superintendent and either the Policy and Planning

        Division or Special Student Services Division, as appropriate.

    3. Nothing herein will preclude school personnel from employing their own personal

        attorney.

Adopted: 7/22/82
Reclassified an Administrative Rule: 9/1/04
Revised: 4/13/83; 8/8/84; 5/25/00; 9/18/00; 2/9/05; 1/11/06