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AUTHORITY OF THE PRINCIPAL
The principal is the designated leader of the school and, in concert with the staff, is responsible for the orderly operation of the school. In cases of disruptive, disorderly or dangerous conduct not covered in the Student Code of Conduct, the principal may undertake corrective measures which he or she believes to be in the best interest of the student and the school provided any such action does not violate school board policy or procedures.
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
In order to protect the safety of students and staff the Georgia State Board of Education has adopted Rule 160-5-1-.35: Seclusion and Restraint for All Students, which prohibits the use of seclusion and limits the use of restraint to those situations in which students are a danger to themselves or others. Physical restraint refers to direct physical contact from an adult that prevents or restricts a student’s movement. It does not apply to limited physical contact and/or redirection to promote student safety, providing physical guidance or prompting when teaching a skill, redirecting attention, providing guidance to a location, or providing comfort.
The Board acknowledges that in certain limited situations the use of physical restraint of students by adults employed by the Board will be necessary. Decisions about physical restraint of students require the exercise of personal deliberation and judgment. This policy does not create any ministerial duties on the part of any employees of the Board, but is intended to provide guidance and direction to assist employees of the Board in the exercise of their discretion. Nothing in this policy shall interfere with the duties of law enforcement or medical emergency personnel, including School Resource Officers.
Physical restraint is authorized for emergency situations when the student is in immediate danger to himself or others and the student is not responsive to less intensive behavioral interventions including verbal directives or other de-escalation techniques.
When using physical restraint, staff members should carefully observe the student throughout the restraint to determine when the child is no longer an imminent danger to himself/herself or others.
Physical restraint should be terminated when the student is no longer an imminent danger to himself or others or if the student is observed to be in severe distress.
Physical restraint should not be used when it is determined that it would not be safe.
Within one school day from the use of restraint, the student’s parents should be notified in writing of the restraint.
The Superintendent and administrative staff shall develop procedures, which provide for:
- Training staff and faculty on the use of physical restraint and the school system’s policies, procedures, and programs;
- Observing and monitoring the use of physical restraint;
- Documentation by staff or faculty participating in or supervising the restraint for each student in an instance in which the student is restrained;
- Documented monthly review of summary reports documenting the use of restraints;
- Notification of parents as required by the policy; and
- Disseminating to parents the district’s policy on restraint.
PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
When it is necessary to impose discipline, school administrators and teachers will follow a progressive discipline process as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. The degree of discipline to be imposed by each school official will be in proportion to the severity of the behavior of a particular student and will take into account the student’s discipline history, the age of the student and other relevant factors.
The Student Code of Conduct provides a systematic process of behavioral correction in which inappropriate behaviors are followed by consequences. Disciplinary actions are designed to teach students self-discipline and to help them substitute inappropriate behaviors with those that are consistent with the character traits from Georgia’s Character Education Program.
RESTRICTIONS DURING DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Students shall not be allowed to participate or attend any school sponsored activities including, but not limited to school dances, athletics and marching band and restricted from attending host school games, activities, programs or events where Walton County students are guests, during the period of time that they are being disciplined through an assignment to Out-of-School Suspension, Alternative School or Expulsion. Further, the student may not enter into any Walton County Public School building or onto property owned and operated by the Walton County Public School District. Failure to comply with this restriction will result in the student being arrested for trespassing and could result in expulsion from Walton County Public Schools.
WEAPONS
Students are prohibited from possessing firearms (as defined by O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1), dangerous weapons (as defined by O.C.G.A. 16-11-121) or hazardous objects (as defined by O.C.G.A. 20-2-751), while on school property (including bus stops and while riding on a school bus or in other school-provided transportation) or at school functions. A student shall be excluded from school for one calendar year for possessing on school grounds or at a school function a firearm (as defined by O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1) or a dangerous weapon (as defined by O.C.G.A. 16-11-121), provided that all hearing officers, tribunals, panels, administrators, the superintendent, and the Walton County Board of Education shall have the discretion to impose a lesser or more harsh, appropriate consequence on a case-by-case basis for any such offense. Any student possessing a hazardous object (as defined by the O.C.G.A. 20-2-751), while on school property or at school functions, shall receive disciplinary consequences in the discretion of the hearing officer, tribunal, panel, administrator, the superintendent, or the Walton County Board of Education, and consistent with the Walton County Board of Education's policies and procedures. (O.C.G.A. 20-2-751; 20-2-751.1)
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This is to certify that I have received a copy of the board policy JCDAE “Administrative Authority for Student Discipline and the Georgia Rule 160-5-1.35 JGF(2) “Seclusion and Restraint for All Students”.
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Employee’s Name (Print) Date
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Employee’s Signature School / Location
Reference: Georgia Department of Education – Guidance for State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.35 Seclusion and Restraint for All Students – Version 1, July 8, 2010.
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