Paddle punishments are back in Cassville School District

A survey found that parents in the Cassville School District are most concerned with discipline.

KOLR-10 reports that parents of students in the district can opt-in to an old-school method of punishment. The paddle.

However, Superintendent Dr. Meryln Johnson wants to make sure people know this will only be used as a last resort.

“Corporal punishment will be used only when other means of discipline have failed and then only in reasonable form, when the principal approves it,” said Johnson.

He also assures that it “shall be administered so that there can be no chance of bodily injury or harm. Striking a student in the head or face is not permitted.”

In the High School Student handbook it reads:

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
Corporal punishment is the use of physical force as a method of correcting student behavior.

Corporal punishment, as a measure of correction or of maintaining discipline and order in schools, is permitted.

However, it shall be used only when all other alternative means of discipline have failed, and then only in reasonable form and upon the recommendation of the principal.

Corporal punishment shall be administered only by swatting buttocks with a paddle.