TENNESSEE: private schools
- David Lipscomb Campus School, Nashville [PDF] (Alternative link)
This is the handbook for the Middle and High school sections of this all-through Christian school. Corporal punishment (no details supplied) "may be used in the high school as an alternative discipline" but by implication not in the middle school -- the exact opposite of the arrangements at many other schools. CP is not mentioned in the separate elementary school handbook. So here is an intriguing case of a school system saying that paddling is appropriate only for senior students. (I personally think there is quite a lot to be said for this, but it is a minority view.)
- Highland Rim Christian Academy, Tullahoma (Alternative link)
"Anyone caught cheating will be dealt with quickly and firmly. It will result in corporal correction." So will stealing. Corporal discipline may also be used for lack of respect, vandalism, and multiple lesser offenses. In this event there are now two options. Under Option A, the parent "is required to come to the school and to spank the child in the presence of the Principal or Administrator, or a staff member of the same sex as the child". Failure to do this may result in the child's expulsion. If the parent chooses Option B, it is left to the principal to decide to paddle the student, max. three "firm" strokes.
- South Haven Christian School, Springfield [PDF] (Alternative link)
Parents must sign that they "understand that discipline may include a spanking". This is done with an adult witness, behind closed doors, with a wooden paddle -- max. three swats for any one offense. An unusual provision is that parents may inspect the paddle on request.
- These Tennessee private schools also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:
Heritage Christian Academy, Sparta
West End Academy, Knoxville (Alternative link)
TENNESSEE: public schools
- Anderson County Schools (covers Andersonville, Briceville, Clinton, Heiskell, Lake City, Norris, Oliver Springs, Powell) [PDF]
Any teacher may use CP, with a witness. The student must have been warned that specific misbehavior could occasion its use. It is listed as a possible consequence for most offenses on the second or third offense. Parents need not be consulted but must be informed on request of the reasons for it. There no longer seems to be any reference to the possibility of appealing against a paddling.
- Bedford County School District (covers Shelbyville, Unionville, Wartrace)
Cascade Elementary has CP (no details supplied) as an option for a second or subsequent minor offense; it is not mentioned for intermediate or major offenses. It must be administered by the principal, with an adult witness.
At Harris, CP at the option of the principal may be a penalty for truancy, skipping classes, classroom disturbances, profanity, chronic tardiness, misbehavior on the bus, intimidation, gambling, throwing objects, and "failure to accept or complete disciplinary action". Corporal punishment is defined as "physical punishment by the principal or his designee", which seems a tad vague. It must be in good faith and not excessive; no other details are provided.
See also this Nov 2005 news item about a paddling incident at Community High School in Unionville, whose website makes no mention of punishments at all.
- Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools (covers Clarksville, Cunningham, Woodlawn)
CP is confined to the student's buttocks, using an instrument approved by the principal. It shall not be administered for misconduct based on hearsay. Parents must notify the school in writing if they do not want corporal punishment used on their child. Hazelwood Elementary just says that a possible consequence of misbehavior is "corporal punishment (paddling)".
- Fayetteville City Schools
This school board's Policy Manual states that CP is a disciplinary option for misbehaviors at levels I, II and III, but not at level IV (the most serious). It does not have to be administered by the principal, but he or she must approve the instrument used. There are rules about witnesses, proportionality and documentation. I can find no reference to parental consultation or approval.
At the elementary school, corporal punishment may be used in extreme cases of misconduct.
The intermediate school used to say this too, but its new (2006-07) handbook just says "in cases of student misconduct" -- whether "extreme" or not, apparently -- and there is a new stipulation that parents will be notified after the event. A disciplinary form must be filled in and there must be a witness.
The Junior High School document simply states that CP may be used "according to school board policy".
This district doesn't appear to have a senior high school.
See also this slightly weird Nov 2005 news item, which if nothing else serves to confirm that a paddle exists in the Intermediate School principal's office.
- Gibson County School District (covers Dyer, Medina, Rutherford, Trenton, Yorkville)
The Board Policy states that CP may be used for lesser offenses (levels I and II) but not the more serious ones (levels III and IV). This separate page of the document lays down typical rules about privacy, witnesses, proportionality and documentation, and provides that a parental conference must be held before the paddling is inflicted.
Medina Middle School's handbook states that "if a student should take it upon themselves to deviate from the rules [...], discipline will be swift, fair, and consistent", and CP is one of the methods used. In particular, a paddling is the automatic response to "profanity", "unless the office is otherwise notified".
At Rutherford, CP is used "occasionally". Parental requests not to use paddling must be put in writing and renewed annually. "By making this request the parents must take an active part in the discipline and immediately take the student home for a 3-day unexcused suspension. This is also the procedure for a student who refuses a spanking."
At Yorkville Elementary, "a student’s behavior may require that a paddling be administered", but only after other methods have proved ineffective. Parents are consulted beforehand. Similar provisions to Rutherford as regards parental objection or student refusal.
See also this Oct 2005 news item about a paddling at Medina Middle School.
- Greene County Schools (covers Afton, Chuckey, Greeneville, Mohawk, Mosheim)
Corporal punishment should be used only when less stringent measures have failed. Typical wording about privacy, witnesses, documentation and reasonableness. Parental objections to CP are honored. See also Discipline Report for Corporal Punishment [PDF], the form which must be filled out by the "disciplinarian" and signed by the witness when a student is paddled.
At Baileyton and Ottway, CP is available for offenses at levels I and II but not for more serious ones. At Chuckey and Chuckey-Doak it may be used for level III offenses too.
There is no information about the modus operandi. None of the district's four high schools mentions CP.
- Hamilton County Schools [PDF] (covers Apison, Birchwood, Chattanooga, Harrison, Hixson, Lookout Mountain, Ooltewah, Sale Creek, Signal Mountain, Soddy-Daisy)
CP is for use only after several other methods have been tried. Parents may request a written explanation after the fact, but there is no mention of their being able to object in advance.
- Hickman County Schools [PDF] (covers Centerville, Lyles)
In grades K-8 only, corporal punishment is available on parental request. In grades K-4, no student will receive more than 3 licks per day. In grades 5-8, parents may choose paddling instead of detention. In this case, six demerits in a 6-week period brings two licks, and 9 demerits three licks. There is no CP for grades 9-12.
See also this May 2002 news item.
- Lebanon Special School District
Here, CP is reserved for "extreme cases" and the "number of contacts with the paddle" must not exceed four. It must be given "with an open hand or an appropriate wooden paddle across the buttocks and in no other manner", and is not to be administered in anger. Parents may object in writing. Students may be given a choice between CP and an alternative disciplinary measure.
See also, with particular reference to Walter J. Baird Middle School, this April 2002 news item.
- Maury County Board of Education (covers Columbia, Culleoka, Mount Pleasant, Santa Fe, Spring Hill) [PDF]
See pages 280 and 314 of the Board Policy Manual. CP is defined as "the process of administering a paddling to a student on the buttocks with a school-approved paddle witnessed by licensed personnel". Any teacher may use CP on any student, but only after other measures have failed, "or if the conduct of the student is of such nature that corporal punishment is the only reasonable form of punishment". There is a maximum of three "strikes" [sic].
If parents ask, on a special form, that their child be exempt from CP, they must confer with the principal to discuss the request. At this meeting there is to be "an explanation of corporal punishment" and possible alternative punishments are discussed. Presumably the purpose of all this is to try to dissuade the parents from going through with their no-CP request.
The Cox Middle School handbook merely repeats some of the information in the board manual.
See also this Oct 2005 news item, revealing that Hampshire Unit School uses the paddle more than once a week, and this Nov 2005 news item about a paddling at Mount Pleasant Middle School.
- McNairy County Schools (covers Adamsville, Bethel Springs, Michie, Ramer, Selmer)
Teachers and principal alike may use CP for minor or major misbehaviors. It is given with a wooden paddle, before a witness, and consists of a maximum of three "licks" on the buttocks. The student may be given a choice between paddling or some other punishment that the teacher deems appropriate. CP is also mentioned as an option for level III (relatively serious) bus violations, but only where the bus driver has filled out the appropriate form, in which case the principal administers the paddling on the bus driver's behalf.
- Putnam County Schools (covers Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, Monterey)
Any teacher may apply corporal punishment "in a reasonable manner", the instrument to be used requiring approval by the principal. Rules about witnesses and record-keeping; nothing about parental consultation or approval.
Burks Middle School states that CP is permissible but gives no information.
Dry Valley is a K-12 "sin bin" whose special "behavior program" includes CP as one of its "negative consequences" for failure to obey the detailed strict rules.
At Monterey High (grades 9-12), CP may be administered for a second or subsequent "major violation" (disruption, forgery, fighting, tobacco, etc.). The same applies at Prescott Central Middle, except that students there may be paddled on a first such offense.
See also this May 2007 news item about a paddling at Algood Elementary School.
- Rutherford County Board of Education, Murfreesboro
Principals and Assistant Principals may use CP. There are no details of the modus operandi. Typical language about proportionality, witnesses and documentation. Parents must fill in a form every year stating that they either don't give consent for CP, or that they do, in which case they must also say whether or not they want to be contacted beforehand. Here is the form entitled "Record of corporal punishment" that is to be filled out after each paddling. See also this Oct 2004 news item.
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Shelby County Schools (covers Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Cordova, Germantown, part of Memphis, Millington) [PDF]
In this school system, parents may request exemption, but in that case the school reserves the right to suspend the student. CP is not to be used for a first offense. Students may NOT choose a paddling in lieu of some other punishment.
See also this Feb 2004 news item.
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Tipton County Schools (covers Brighton, Covington, Drummonds, Munford) [PDF]
In the student handbook for the district as a whole, corporal punishment features at steps 1 and 2 of the discipline procedure. It is also an option at step 1 of the separate bus discipline ladder. Any teacher may paddle, with a witness. The student is to place his hands on his knees to receive the paddling, in my view a good policy since it produces what many experts regard as the optimum bending posture (a little bit less than 90 degrees), but the reason given for it is odd: "to avoid injury due to the natural reflex of a child to cover that portion of the body being struck". During the "act of punishment", "the area of contact will lie between and include the buttocks and the back of the thigh", a curious form of words -- why not just specify the buttocks? Perhaps this was devised by a lawyer to cover the possibility that the teacher's aim might not be accurate, but explicitly to approve of paddling the thighs, surely a much less safe and humane target, seems to me a very bad practice.
Brighton Elementary School is at pains to point out that corporal punishment is "a recognized form of discipline in the state of Tennessee" and is used at the school, though not as a first resort. At the end of the handbook is an unusual form which parents objecting to CP must sign at a meeting with the child's teacher, who must also sign it; the form requires the parent to list what other punishments should be used instead.
In Brighton High's local handbook, strangely, CP is mentioned only in connection with tobacco use. However, individual teachers at BHS have their own rules set out on their own web pages. Thus, Rick McLaughlin ("Mr Mac") puts CP second in his list of corrective measures for inappropriate behavior in his classroom.
Crestview Middle School specifies that "corporal punishment or detention" is the consequence for a second or third dress code violation. CP is not mentioned for other offenses. The same is true of Covington Integrated Arts Academy (apparently a K-8 school) except that here CP is an option at steps 1 and 2.
Munford Elementary mentions paddling only in connection with the school bus rules, where it is at step one of the disciplinary ladder along with probation and a 3-day suspension from the bus.
At Munford High, CP is at the top of the list of consequences for any violation of rules, and is also specifically mentioned for school bus offenses, in respect of which students "will be disciplined by the bus driver or at the school level". Does that mean the bus driver can carry out the paddling? It is not entirely clear.
Official statistics indicate that some 1,580 paddlings were administered in Tipton County in 2004-05, but it is a large district, so that is only about 14% of the student roll.
- Tullahoma City Schools [PDF]
CP is for offenses at levels I, II and III, but not level IV (the most serious). It shall be administered only by the principal or assistant principal and only when less stringent measures have failed, or where it is the only reasonable form of punishment in the circumstances. The instrument to be used shall be approved by the principal. Parents are notified after the event. Rules about witnesses and record-keeping.
Paddling at East Lincoln Elementary is described as always being a last resort, and usually done at the parent's request. In particular, it may be inflicted for fighting.
At West Middle, CP is merely mentioned as one of the available disciplinary techniques.
See also this Aug 2006 news item and its associated video clip.
- Union County High School, Maynardville
This is the Teachers' Handbook, which gives more detail than the Student Handbook. At the beginning of the year each principal must designate the staff members who are going to serve as witnesses to any CP. The designees must be distributed evenly in the building(s), which suggests that CP is rather commonplace here. Typical rules about not being a first resort, and privacy. Only a doctor's note is valid reason for exemption -- evidently parents have no say in the matter.
- York Institute, Jamestown
At this rural mountain high school, corporal punishment must be administered "in the front office" by the Dean of Students or a teacher, and is one of several disciplinary options for Level I or II offenses (but apparently no longer, as in an earlier version, also for Level III offenses).
- These Tennessee public schools or school districts also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:
Bledsoe County Schools
Johnson County Schools, Mountain City
Kingsport City Schools [PDF]
Perry County Schools (covers Linden, Lobelville) (and see also this Sep 2007 news item and video clip)
- These Tennessee public schools or school districts are known to use corporal punishment, but did not appear to say so on line when I last checked, or are not on line at all:
Cumberland County Schools - see this Oct 2004 news item
Loudon County Schools - see this Dec 2007 news item and video clip
Meigs County Schools - see this May 2004 news item
Pope Elementary School, Jackson - see this May 2003 news item
South Highland Learning Center, Jackson - see this May 2003 news item
TEXAS: private schools
- Arbor Christian Academy [PDF], Amarillo
Parents must give permission to spank when they sign the admission form. "One to three swats with a paddle" may be given, "in parent-like love", with a witness and out of sight of other students.
- Bible Heritage Christian School, Amarillo
One to three swats with a paddle may be given "in love". Parents are contacted beforehand.
- Cleburne Community Christian School, Cleburne (Alternative link)
For blatant disobedience, parents will be asked to come to the school to "administer a spanking during regular school hours on the day of the offense".
- Faith Christian School, Grapevine [DOC] (Alternative link)
Paddling takes place in the administrator's office, with parental permission and a witness. It is given for Category II offenses ("activities and attitudes that show a lack of respect for authority"). A wooden paddle is used, usually only one swat.
- Grace Academy, Georgetown [PDF]
See page 19. A wooden paddle is used, normally two swats. Every effort is made to contact the parent but if the parent is unavailable the spanking goes ahead anyway. Parents who notify their disagreement with CP must supply two emergency contacts besides themselves who can come to the school immediately to take the child home.
- Hope Lutheran School, Austin [PDF]
Paddling is available from 1st through 8th grade (but not at kindergarten level), with the written consent of the parent, but is "discouraged and rarely used".
- Lifegate Christian School, Seguin
Spanking occurs when it is felt to be appropriate, with parental consent. It is not to exceed three swats. At the elementary level, CP appears to be a money-saving alternative to Saturday School (since for the latter the parents are charged $40). It is not specifically mentioned for the high school.
- Longview Christian School [PDF]
This K-12 school reserves the right to corporally punish any student. The parents are contacted beforehand. Paddling is listed as one of the consequences for "major infractions". See also the Corporal Correction Release [PDF], which states that "a personal, neutral object" is used for correction. The parents must sign that they support the CP policy "without reservation", or alternatively that they will come to the school to administer a paddling themselves.
See also this Feb 2007 news item, quoting the principal as saying that paddling is an acceptable last-resort punishment for rebellious behavior.
- San Jacinto Christian Academy, Amarillo [PDF]
"Corporal discipline" will be carried out by a parent or by school personnel; the school has full discretion in the matter. Every parent must sign an authorization for the school to spank. Each spanking is witnessed and documented. In particular, CP is likely to follow three detentions.
- Town East Christian School, San Antonio [PDF]
"Corporal correction" here consists of "a reasonable number of firm swats" with "a simple, flat wooden paddle". If repentance does not ensue, there may be further discipline. After three paddlings there is an automatic one-day suspension. After nine paddlings the student is expelled for the rest of the year. Swats are automatic if lines are given and not done.
- These Texas private schools also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:
Calvary Baptist Academy, New Braunfels (Alternative link)
East Texas Christian School, Longview (and see also this Feb 2007 news item)
Friendswood Christian School, Friendswood (Alternative link)
TEXAS: public schools
- Anahuac School District
Standard Texas form of words. Parental objections to corporal punishment are honored.
- Andrews Independent School District
Paddling is an option for offenses designated Level I, Level II and Level III -- in fact anything that is not clearly criminal. The size, age, sex, and physical, mental and emotional condition of the student shall determine the type of instrument and amount of force to be used (this seems to be a standard Texas wording). The paddle must be "district-approved". At the Middle School, the students themselves, as well as parents, have the option of stating that they wish some other form of punishment instead. Paddling is specifically mentioned as an alternative to all-day detention in the case of a second tardy.
- Arp Independent School District (covers Arp)
Corporal punishment is the 8th out of 9 possible consequences for minor violations (handled by the class teacher), and the sixth out of 11 possibilities for more serious ones (which must be referred to the principal). See also the Teachers' Handbook, which says that the student being paddled must be made to state his or her offense to the teacher acting as witness.
- Brazosport Independent School District, Freeport [PDF]
Corporal punishment must be "done in a private place", "in a respectful manner and without any emotional involvement". The student is to be given the opportunity to say if there is any "family or medical" reason why he should not be paddled.
- Brownwood Independent School District [PDF]
This district has reintroduced paddling after a lapse of 8 years (see this Aug 2004 news item). Only principals or assistant principals may administer it, in their office, and only after less stringent measures have failed. It can be given for level II or III offenses but not levels I, IV, V or VI. Written parental permission is required beforehand (see the form on page 3 of the handbook). The witness must be of the same sex as the student. Typical rules about privacy and record-keeping, except for a reference to "the number of spats", an unusual piece of terminology.
- Channelview Independent School District [PDF] (covers Channelview)
Gives detailed rules for the administration of corporal punishment (max. 3 swats). Paddles shall not be generally displayed. It is made explicit that students will always have a choice of some other disciplinary measure. In a separate document is a corporal punishment waiver which parents may sign. This must be resubmitted annually. On the other hand, "the principal or designee may choose not to use corporal punishment even if the parent has requested it".
- Copperas Cove ISD [PDF]
The board policy gives typical Texas wording. The Code of Student Conduct adds that CP is for level I or II offenses. The elementary/intermediate handbook states that "When other methods of discipline have failed, spanking will be used as a disciplinary measure" and that parents who "strongly object to spanking" must notify the school in writing, whereupon the alternative will be suspension.
Clements Intermediate states merely that CP is a possible consequence of misbehavior.
- Cuero Independent School District
Corporal punishment may be used for level II (but not level I -- the least serious) offenses, where it counts as equivalent to an administrative detention. CP is also available for level III in elementary grades (K-5) with parental consent. Meanwhile the High School handbook, currently off line, says that after-school detention (ASD) is the main prescribed punishment for minor infractions. Failure to attend it brings, on the first offense, a choice of two days' ASD or two swats, and on the second offense, a choice of one day ISS or two swats. Students are always offered the choice of an alternative to CP.
- Deer Park Independent School District [PDF]
Available for offenses at levels I, II and III but not levels IV or V. Parental objections will be honored.
- Denver City Independent School District [PDF]
This is not the famous Denver, which is in Colorado, but Denver, Texas. Corporal punishment is one of many available consequences. Parental objections will be honored. Curiously, where the student handbook goes into detail it mentions paddling only for grades 9-12 and not for grades 7-8. For the first three offenses at level I, the punishment is "one to three detentions assigned or swats administered". At the fourth offense, or on the first occasion in the case of level II offenses, it is one day of ISS "with administrator option of three detentions assigned or swats administered". It is not clear whether "with option of" means "as well as" or "instead of".
- Detroit Independent School District (Alternative link)
This is not the famous Detroit, which is in Michigan, but a small town in Texas.
The Code of Conduct sets out typical Texas rules, with corporal punishment as the first in the list of disciplinary measures for serious misbehavior. The instrument used must be approved by the principal, and the punishment is to take place outside the view of other students. If written parental objection to CP is on file, the student will receive "appropriate alternative discipline", as is also the case if the student refuses to be spanked.
The Middle/High School handbook specifies that the punishment for a second tardy is 2 days' detention hall or one swat; for a third tardy, it is 3 days' detention hall or 2 swats. Consequences for general Level I offenses -- class disruption, dress code violations, tobacco -- include one swat for the first offense in a semester, 2 swats for the second, and 3 swats for a third. For Level II offenses -- disrespect, gambling, bullying, truancy -- the punishment is 3 swats or 3 days' ISS the first time; for any subsequent such offense the student is not paddled but consigned to the sin bin.
The elementary handbook is no longer on line. It went into less detail about specific consequences for specific violations, but did spell out that corporal punishment may be used in all grades by the principal or teacher.
At the end of the handbook is a form for parents to sign, stating that they either do or do not consent to CP being used on their student, with a third option - that they do consent, but wish to be telephoned before the spanking is administered.
See also this Nov 2006 news item about two boys given a three-lick spanking by the principal at Detroit Middle School, with their parents' approval, for viewing internet pornography.
- Dodd City ISD [PDF] (Alternative link)
The current code of conduct merely lists corporal punishment (no details supplied) as one of the possible consequences of misbehavior.
The 2003-04 version, archived here (Alternative link), was more interesting: for grades 1-5 there was no mention of CP, but for grades 6-12 there was a discipline plan of 10 steps, from "1 detention" at step 1 to "5 days' ISS" at step 10. But "Corporal Punishment may be taken in exchange for any step 1-5". Most intriguingly, at steps 1-3 the result was "swats from Mrs Gosnell" (the Assistant Principal - "a very large lady", I'm anecdotally informed), and at steps 4 or 5 "swats given by Mr Reed" (the District Superintendent). It must be fairly unusual for even senior high school boys to have to take their paddlings from a female teacher.
- Duncanville City Independent School District [PDF]
CP here is a level I (but not level II or III) consequence, and "shall be limited to paddling the student" and not, as at most Texas schools, "paddling or spanking the student". Parents must be contacted in advance in each specific case, apparently even if they have already signed the form at the back of this handbook to say that they give permission in general.
See also this July 2004 news item.
- Eastland Independent School District [DOC]
In a change of rules here, offenses are no longer categorized into different levels. Corporal punishment (no details provided) remains an option. At Siebert, it is specifically mentioned only at kindergarten level. Both the Middle School and High School handbooks, which previously made no specific mention of CP, now spell out that paddling may be used.
- Forsan Independent School District
This is a form which parents may, or perhaps must, sign stating that they either do or do not give permission for the school to use corporal punishment on their child.
- Galena Park Independent School District
This school limits spanking or paddling to "five spanks in any instance", and it is made explicit that students may be "given the option of taking a paddling or some other appropriate disciplinary action".
- Gold-Burg Independent School District [PDF]
Students on their second tardy have a choice between paddling (number of licks not specified) or 2 days' ISS. For all offenses more generally, CP is one of many possible disciplinary consequences but no details are given. The document no longer spells out, as a previous version did, that "the school is not required to have parent permission to use corporal punishment".
- Grand Prairie Independent School District
More or less standard Texas wording. Parental requests that corporal punishment not be administered will be honored. For extra-curricular activities such as athletics, stricter standards of behavior may be enforced.
See also this May 1999 illustrated news item about a 17-year-old schoolgirl cheerleader, pictured, who was paddled for smoking, and this Aug 1999 illustrated follow-up in which her spanking is described. See also this Aug 2006 news item.
Grand Prairie ISD administered about 1,000 paddlings in 2004-05, according to government figures.
- Killeen Independent School District (covers Fort Hood, Harker Heights, Killeen, Nolanville)
Maximum three swats at one time. In no case may a textbook, ruler, or any instrument other than a solid wooden paddle be used. Paddling must take place in the presence of at least one "neutral" district employee, and out of the view of "uninvolved students, teachers or other persons".
- Lancaster Independent School District [PDF]
Corporal punishment is said to be rare, and used only for "conduct of such an extreme nature that ... (it) is the only reasonable form of discipline under the circumstances". It must be given by the principal or assistant principal in an administrative office. There seems to be no mention of parental consent.
See also however this July 2004 news item.
- Lubbock Independent School District [PDF]
The Board of Trustees of this district (where there were some 930 paddlings in 2004-05, according to federal statistics) has approved corporal punishment as an appropriate disciplinary consequence for code of conduct violations, when other measures have failed. Teachers are to refer possible CP cases to the principal, who shall approve the instrument to be used and is the one who either delivers the spanking or, if it is administered by the assistant principal, witnesses it. No mention of parental consultation.
At Estacado High, CP is applied only at the parent's request.
Hutchinson Middle merely mentions that CP is a possible disciplinary action.
- Marfa Independent School District
The pan-district Code of Conduct merely states that CP is one of a number of discipline management techniques.
At the High School, "the principal will use corporal punishment as a first choice when it is appropriate for minor code of conduct violations". These include bus misconduct, throwing objects, insubordination, verbal abuse, profanity, disruption, and a third tardy to any one class. For all these, the penalty is "up to 3 swats". The paddle "will not generally be displayed". Students may be given an option to choose between corporal punishment and "other disciplinary measures" (unspecified).
An attempt is made to contact parents beforehand, but the spanking will go ahead if they cannot be contacted. Parents who object to CP must sign a form to that effect (included in the document at Appendix III) within the first week of each school year. Offending pupils so exempted will be sent home instead of being paddled. Conversely, "the principal or a designee may choose not to use corporal punishment even if the parent has requested its use".
Here is a picture of the High School Principal, Mr Graydon Hicks, with his paddle ready for use by his left elbow:
- Midlothian ISD
The board policy document gives standard minimalist Texas wording.
At the two middle schools, CP is specifically mentioned as a punishment for missing D-Hall (which is apparently something more serious than the ordinary daily detention).
At the elementary schools, CP is said to be for serious offenses.
The high school book says only that "corporal punishment - spanking or paddling the student" is available as a discipline management technique. None of the handbooks gives any details of the paddling procedure.
See also this Oct 2004 news item about a group of disorderly football players at the High School who were given a choice of either serving two days' ISS or being spanked (but it doesn't say which they chose).
- Monahans-Wickett-Pyote Independent School District
At the Cullender Kindergarten, parents have to sign a form to say that they understand that students are subject to disciplinary action "up to and including corporal punishment or criminal prosecution" -- they must have some wild five-year-olds down there. If CP is used, an attempt will be made to contact the parent.
The Monahans High handbook gives standard Texas wording. There is no mention of parental contact. The following picture from its website is of Mr Roy Rutledge, the assistant principal, who clearly likes to keep his paddle close at hand. I hope it doesn't get warped from lying on the radiator:
- Mount Pleasant High School, Mount Pleasant (Alternative link)
This is the "Tiger Athletic Handbook", which provides for corporal punishment (no details given) to be administered to athletes by the sports coach at his or her discretion. It comes fairly low on the list, after "running and pushups" but before "probation". The general code of conduct for ordinary students seems no longer to be on line.
- Olney Independent School District
The standard board policy page gives normal minimalist Texas wording.
The Athletic Handbook states that CP is available "as a choice" for athletes. In particular, discipline for disrespect to a coach "may be extra physical work and/or corporal punishment". CP "would never be used in anger and only when there is a witness".
- Paris Independent School District [PDF]
According to the pan-district Code of Conduct, CP here is limited just to paddling, and not, as it is worded at most Texas schools, "paddling or spanking". This is always ambiguous in American English, so we cannot tell whether the distinction makes any difference. (In British English, "spanking" usually means just with the hand, and not with an implement.)
It is no longer spelled out, as it was in previous years, that students are always given the opportunity to choose between corporal punishment and some other penalty.
At Travis Junior High, students are offered three options for a first tardy: 20 minutes' detention, a one-page essay, or 2 swats. For a second tardy, the student must choose one of the two remaining options. For a third tardy, the student receives the final option of the three, but "if the final option is swats and the student is on the "no swat" list, that option is waived and the student is referred to the office for disciplinary action".
The individual handbooks of other schools in the district merely state that CP is an optional penalty and give no details.
- Perryton Independent School District [PDF]
A previous version of the code of conduct said that paddling was a possible consequence for misdemeanors at level II or higher, but not level I (the least serious). This hierarchy of misbehavior has now apparently been abolished, and CP (typical Texas conditions) is in principle available for any offense. Parental requests not to use CP will be honored. See also this Nov 1998 news item and this April 1999 follow-up.
- Plains Independent School District [PDF]
"Corporal punishment is permitted in order to preserve an effective educational
environment, free from disruption". Typical Texas language about "spanking or paddling", privacy, witnesses and documentation. The principal shall approve the instrument to be used. There is no mention of parental consent.
There is a special policy on tardies: each student is allowed six tardies per semester. At the seventh and eighth tardy, he or she may choose either one paddle swat or a day's detention.
The Athletic Handbook notes that sports coaches must be treated with respect and addressed as ma'am or sir. Coaches may spank athletes who exhibit disrespect, but never in anger and only with a witness.
The handbook for bus drivers tells them that it is not their job to act as disciplinarian: "Never bring a student to the principal having already promised him/her a spanking or removal of bus privileges. When you bring a student to the principal, the principal will decide on the corrective measures".
- Roscoe Independent School District [PDF]
This handbook stresses that parental permission is not necessary before the administration of CP. However, every effort will be made to inform parents of it after the event. A newly revised code of conduct [PDF] no longer mentions, as earlier versions did, that paddling is typically used for Level 2 and Level 3 offenses, or when the student is sent to the office for a second time, but simply states instead that CP is one of the disciplinary management techniques that may be used.
See also this Feb 2006 news item.
- Rusk Independent School District
Standard Texas wording plus a maximum of three swats per day per student. At all four schools, CP is available for the less serious (level I and level II) offenses.
- Timpson ISD
Standard minimalist Texas wording in the district-wide policy document.
At the Elementary School, CP is to be administered "in the principal's office or in an area that is not in the line of sight of other students". It may be applied for dress code violations and also for a second bus discipline offense.
The Middle School specifies that paddling may be applied for repeated dress code violations.
At the High School, CP is mentioned as a possible penalty for dress code violations. It is no longer specifically mentioned, as it was in earlier version, as a punishment for tardiness.
See also this Nov 2002 news item about a mass paddling of the entire senior class at the High School.
- Trenton Independent School District
CP may be used for level I (minor) and level II (intermediate) offenses and also for a second bus infraction. There seems to be no mention of the possibility of parental objections.
- Tyler Independent School District
CP is limited to spanking or paddling the buttocks. Usual rules about privacy and witnesses and not being a first resort. The paddle must be of wood or plastic, not more than ¼" by 3" by 18". Belts and dowel rods may not be used. There is a maximum of three swats.
See also this Aug 2001 news item and also this Nov 2005 news item, reporting that the school board had considered the question of CP and decided to keep it.
- Vidor ISD
Standard Texas wording in the pan-district board policy.
The Junior High School handbook says that parental requests not to use CP will be honored. Paddling may be administered in lieu of ISS or Special Assignment Class, except in the case of fighting. This substitution may be made only twice (per semester? it is not made clear).
The High School handbook states merely that "Students may be given the opportunity to receive corporal punishment in lieu of other discipline".
At the Middle School, paddling is specifically mentioned as a penalty for Level 3 offenses (truancy, vandalism, tobacco) as an alternative to at least 2 days' ISS.
See also this Aug 2001 news item.
- Waxahachie ISD [PDF]
Corporal punishment is an "appropriate disciplinary consequence" only for Class I and Class II offenses. It is not mentioned in relation to the most serious offenses (Class III, IV or V). (In the 2004-05 version it was only for Class I and not Class II, so the scope for paddling has evidently increased recently.) All reasonable efforts will be made to contact the parents. Parents may oppose, but in that case must "submit an alternative discipline plan" or agree to suspension. Otherwise, standard Texas wording.
The elementary schools' code of conduct seems somewhat to contradict the pan-district document by saying that CP is meant for "serious misbehavior".
There are also separate documents for the Middle School and the High School, but these merely mention in passing that CP is one of the penalties available.
An earlier version of the handbook (archived here) (Alternative link) specified that CP was administered only where the student asked to be paddled in lieu of other punishments, and that each student might make only one such request per semester. It is possible that this still applies, but it no longer seems to be spelled out.
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Wharton Independent School District (covers Wharton)
This school district has a long-winded and bureaucratic "Discipline Management Plan". Paddling is a possible consequence for Level II and III offenses but not for Levels I, IV or V. Near the end of the document, the procedures for administering corporal punishment are given (typical Texas wording).
- Whitewright High School (Alternative link)
Corporal punishment (no details provided) may be administered only by the principal or athletic director.
- Wink-Loving ISD
Corporal punishment, "permitted in order to preserve an effective educational environment, free from disruption", may be administered by any teacher. Typical Texas guidelines.
At the elementary school, specific penalties are listed for a long list of specific offenses. "3 swats" is the only punishment listed for (among other things) cheating, leaving without permission, insubordination, misbehavior on the bus, fighting, verbal abuse, and having a mobile phone. On the other hand, for arson, extortion, lookalike drugs, and offensive conduct of a sexual nature, the penalty is three days' ISS. But for profanity, theft, vandalism and tobacco, students will receive 3 swats and three days' ISS. The only crime that doesn't fit this pattern is chewing gum, for which the consequence is only 2 swats.
All the same also applies at the high school, with the addition that paddlings are also meted out for tardiness: 3 swats or detention for a fourth tardy, but three swats and detention on the fifth and all subsequent tardies.
- Yoakum Independent School District
CP is available in general at the junior high and is also specifically mentioned as a punishment for five or more tardies. (In an earlier version, this was referred to as "swats" but the document now uses the phrase "corporal punishment"). At the intermediate school, there is rather a hint that it can be at the student's choice: "teachers and administrators will work with the child to find effective discipline management techniques ... Such actions for the child might include ... accepting corporal punishment." However, it will be used only when other "forms of student control" have failed. Parents who request that CP not be used must also "agree to be available to pick up my child should he/she need this type of punishment".
- These Texas public schools or school districts also state that they use corporal punishment, but give no details beyond the standard Texas wording (Corporal punishment is restricted to spanking or paddling the student and shall be administered "in a designated place" with an approved instrument. In most cases, parents' requests to opt their children out will be honored):
Alvarado ISD (and see this Mar 2001 news item)
Beaumont ISD
Boerne ISD [DOC]
Chisum ISD, Paris [PDF]
Crystal City ISD
Clint ISD [PDF] (and see this Feb 2007 news item)
Damon ISD
Dublin ISD [PDF]
Eagle Pass ISD
Ector County ISD (covers Odessa) [PDF]
Everman ISD (and see this Aug 2006 illustrated news item and its related video clip)
Fabens ISD (and see this Feb 2007 news item)
Fairfield ISD [DOC]
Fort Stockton ISD (and see this Mar 2005 news item)
Grape Creek ISD
Harrold ISD [PDF]
Hillsboro ISD
Jarrell ISD (and see this Aug 2004 news item)
Jourdanton ISD (Alternative link)
Lipan ISD (Alternative link)
Longview ISD (and see this Feb 2007 news item)
Marble Falls ISD (and see this Aug 2005 news item)
Marshall ISD
New Braunfels ISD [PDF]
Palacios ISD (and see also this July 2005 news item)
Pharr - San Juan - Alamo ISD [PDF] (and see this Feb 2005 news item)
Pine Tree ISD, Longview [PDF] (but see also this Feb 2007 news item, according to which CP is in practice very rarely used)
Port Arthur ISD
Ranger ISD
San Angelo ISD
San Augustine ISD [PDF]
Spring Hill ISD [PDF] (but see also this Feb 2007 news item, according to which CP is not used at the high school but only in grades K-8)
Springtown ISD (and see also this Sep 2007 news item and video clip)
Texarkana ISD (Texas) (and see this March 2006 news item)
Tornillo ISD [PDF] (and see also this Feb 2007 news report that CP was recently reinstated after having been abandoned)
Victoria ISD [PDF]
Water Valley ISD [PDF]
West Rusk ISD
- These Texas public schools or school districts are also known to use corporal punishment, but did not appear to say so on line when I last checked, or are not on line at all:
Blum ISD - see this Dec 2006 news item about the "sting of the football coach's paddle"
Caddo Mills ISD - see this Nov 2007 news item and this Dec 2007 follow-up about a 15-year-old student (pictured) who photographed his own bruised buttocks after receiving a three-swat paddling
City View ISD, Wichita Falls - see this Sep 2003 news item and also this Sep 2004 news item and the follow-up below it
Cleveland ISD - see this Nov 2005 news item (with video clip)
DeSoto ISD - see this July 2004 news item
Granger ISD - see this Aug 2004 news item
Groveton ISD - see this April 2004 news item and this Sep 2005 follow-up and also this Sep 2004 news item
Hallsburg ISD - see this Aug 2005 news item
Irving ISD - see this July 2004 news item
Mineral Wells ISD - see this Feb 2004 news item
School of Excellence in Education (Charter school), San Antonio - see this Sep 2004 news item and also this Jan 2005 news item and its follows-up about an 18-year-old student who was paddled, raising the question whether her parents' consent was still relevant now that she was legally adult
Wall ISD ("Close-knit Wall values education, children", San Angelo Standard Times, 25 Feb 2007, not on line)
VIRGINIA: private schools
- Greenbriar Christian Academy, Chesapeake [PDF]
This handbook states that in certain situations CP "is scriptural" and is effective in correcting behavior. However, it is "rarely used" and in most cases is carried out by the parent at the school's request. The CP policy is no longer set out in detail (you now have to ask the school office for a copy), but it used to say that CP would not be used if "the student refuses to be spanked in the proper format" or refers to "any physical problem that might be complicated by spanking".
WASHINGTON STATE: private schools
- Liberty Christian School, Richland [PDF] (Alternative link)
Corporal punishment is considered a last resort. At least one other staff member must be present. Parents are given the opportunity to administer it.
- Maple Valley Christian Elementary School, Renton
This school doesn't detail its punishments, but it says it is guided by the "biblical principles of discipline set forth by" Dr James Dobson, who famously favors CP at this age group.
WEST VIRGINIA: private schools
- Living Faith Christian Academy, Marmet
If corporal punishment is necessary the parent is contacted to administer it.
WISCONSIN: private schools
- Eagle Christian School, Richland Center
Minor offenses, such as chewing gum once, "are not to be disciplined with the paddle". However, if a student receives a "third disciplinary memo", the parents are summoned for a conference, and "a spanking may be administered at this time or any other appropriate time".
The parents are given the opportunity to deliver the spanking themselves, but it must take place on the same day as the offense, on school premises, and be witnessed by a teacher or administrator. If the parent refuses to allow it, the student is expelled. The instrument is a flat board, available in the church office.
There is an unusually high maximum dose of "ten strokes on the behind".
- Faith Christian School, Coleman [PDF] (Alternative link)
Application form on which parents must invest authority in the school to use corporal punishment (no details provided).
- Wyldewood Christian School, Oshkosh
Before students will be accepted, parents must sign the "Corporal correction policy". However, the school has now written to me to say that the staff don't administer the CP; the parents must agree to do it at home.
- These Wisconsin private schools are also known to use corporal punishment, but did not appear to say so on line when I last checked, or are not on line at all:
Greendale Baptist Academy - see this May 2001 news item and this April 2003 follow-up.
WYOMING: public schools
- Campbell County School District, Gillette
At Wright Junior/Senior High, "reasonable corporal discipline" may be used. "Students may be given an option of either swats, detention or other disciplinary measures when deemed appropriate by the building administrator. Swats may be administered to the buttocks and no other part of the body." If the student chooses to be spanked, he or she is asked to contact the parents, or the principal may do so, to inform them of the misconduct and that the student "has elected to receive swats rather than other punishment". Only the principal, assistant principal or designee may deliver the paddling, and another employee must be present as witness.
- Fremont County School District, Riverton
This stipulates that only elementary schools may use corporal punishment; a record must be kept. At the Middle School and the High School, "no paddle or other means of inflicting such punishment shall be retained on school premises".
In fact, none of the four elementary schools mentions CP in the discipline pages of their individual websites, so I suspect this policy may be a dead letter.
- Johnson County School District #1 (covers Buffalo, Kaycee)
CP is for use in extreme cases when other methods have been exhausted. It is applied to the buttocks with -- most unusually -- "open hand, paddle, switch, or like instrument". Typical rules about witnesses and documentation, but nothing about privacy, or parental consent or notification.
- Park County School District, Powell
The only kind of CP allowed here is "spanking/swats". Only the principal or assistant principal may administer it, and the Board requires its use to be kept to a minimum. Rules about witnesses and due process. Parents are contacted beforehand where possible.
- These Wyoming public schools also state that they may use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:
Carbon County School District (covers Encampment, Hanna, Saratoga) [PDF]
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