Bill > HB2545

This bill proposes to modify existing West Virginia education law by allowing corporal punishment in public schools under specific conditions. The bill would restore the ability of school principals to administer "moderate corporal punishment" after the previous law had abolished such practices. While permitting corporal punishment, the bill also requires the State Board of Education and county boards to adopt policies that encourage alternatives to physical discipline and provide training for school personnel on these alternatives. The legislation mandates that any corporal punishment must be administered subject to rules and policies established by education boards, and emphasizes the importance of involving parents and guardians in maintaining school discipline. The bill retains existing provisions about teachers' authority over students, including the ability to exclude disruptive students from classrooms, and maintains the requirement for schools to have clear disciplinary frameworks. Additionally, the bill requires schools to implement tier systems for student behaviors and punishments, with specific guidelines and examples, and provides mechanisms for teachers to appeal disciplinary decisions. The overall intent appears to be providing school administrators more disciplinary flexibility while still encouraging constructive approaches to managing student behavior.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2545&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill