Corporal punishment regulations of individual schools or school districts

Notes:

(1) Most external links on this page are to documents in PDF format, so this is no longer indicated separately for each document.

(2) Where paddling statistics are cited, they come from the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights online database, unless otherwise stated.

LOUISIANA: private and charter schools

Beekman Charter School, Bastrop
It is no longer the case here that there is no parental opt-out from CP: Parents may now request exemption, but must do so in writing annually. "Paddling of the student's buttocks is the only corporal punishment that shall be administered."
  Also, "Any minor or major infraction committed by a student, whether [...] a first time infraction or a repeat infraction, may result in the student being required to attend a morning detention, or receive corporal punishment". Paddling is specifically mentioned as a consequence in grades 6 through 12 for every three unexcused tardies to school or class in a school year. In all grades, a paddling may result from a third violation of the school bus rules.

Bowling Green School, Franklinton
"Bowling Green School allows reasonable corporal punishment of unruly pupils" .... "If corporal punishment is recommended, the student will contact a parent or guardian on 'speaker phone' and tell 'what' offense he/she committed and 'why' he/she should receive corporal punishment." .... "Corporal punishment may be used instead of detention or suspension from school." All this is for grades 7 through 12; CP information for the elementary grades is not available.

Claiborne Christian School, West Monroe
More detail is now provided here. For a second or subsequent serious offense, students receive "two firm strokes" with "a wooden paddle 18 ¼" long, 3 ⅛" wide, and ½" thick and no holes will be drilled in the paddling surface."
  "A male staff member will administer corporal punishment to a male student and a female staff member will administer corporal punishment to a female student. The head of school, school principal, and head of discipline will administer corporal punishment."

D'Arbonne Woods Charter School, Farmerville
At this K-12 school, "Parents who object to the use of corporal punishment are advised to remove their child from DWCS and place them in a school that does not implement corporal punishment." The only CP allowed is "paddling of the student's buttocks".
  Stats: No CP was recorded in 2015/16. During 2017/18, 10 boys and 7 girls received spankings.

Delta Charter School of Math, Science, and Technology, Ferriday
At this school for grades K through 11, CP is used only if parents request it. It is "limited to striking the student on the buttocks a maximum of three times with a state approved wooden paddle", max. 18 in. long and ⅜ inches thick, and between three and six inches wide.

Family Worship Christian Academy, Opelousas [DOC]
"A wooden paddle will be used. Swats will not be administered with the hand." There is a maximum of five swats per occasion (or two, for students under seven).

First Baptist Christian School, Slidell
At this school for grades 1 through 12, CP is a discipline procedure for Class II violations such as disrespect for authority, cell phone misuse, failing to turn in disciplinary assignments, reckless driving of a vehicle on campus, and skipping detention. See pages 8 and 9 of the handbook. "The school administrator will administer a paddle to the buttocks in the presence of a staff witness." There is a maximum of four swats. Parental approval is secured in each instance. The parent may choose to come to the school and deliver the swats him- or herself, with an administrator as witness.

Houma Christian School
CP may be used where other methods "have not succeeded in bringing about the desired behavior change". All parents have signed a contract at enrollment, agreeing to paddling. The principal may request the parent to come to the school to administer it.

Kingston Christian Academy, Shreveport
The paddle used at this K-12 school is kept in the principal's office. Its dimensions are no longer specified (previously 24" by 5" by ⅜"). There is a maximum of three swats, applied to the student's buttocks. "A female professional shall be present if corporal punishment is administered to a female student." Parents are contacted beforehand.

Mount Olive Christian School, Athens
"We reserve the right ... to paddle any student enrolled in Mt. Olive Christian School from kindergarten through twelfth grade." Parents must give written permission for this before the student can be enrolled. See also this form.

Northside Christian School, Crowley
Parents must sign their consent to CP upon enrollment.

Oak Forest Academy students have all signed a statement agreeing to be paddled if necessary.

Oak Forest Academy, Amite
At this Christian school, student and parent must both sign a statement (page 1 of the handbook) agreeing that "corporal punishment may be used". Also, "A reasonable paddling may be administered upon parent request". In grades 7 through 12, CP is a consequence for category 1 and 2 offenses but not category 3 (the most serious).

Ouachita Christian School, Monroe
-- Employee Handbook
At the Middle and High School, "Corporal discipline may be administered by the OCS administration and/or staff when deemed appropriate and necessary." In grades PK through 6, it may be used for a first offense of lying, cursing or disrespect.
  See also the Application for Admission, where the student as well as a parent must sign that they accept that disciplinary action includes corporal punishment.
  The Employee Handbook says that an administrator must witness all paddlings, except in the case of coaches, who may spank their athletes with a paddle in the presence of an non-administrative witness.

Slidell Christian Academy
This handbook includes a form which parents must sign "giving consent for this policy (including corporal punishment/spanking". If a spanking is necessary, "the parent will be informed of this and expected to carry out the spanking at home after school for the first two such offenses. The third and subsequent offenses will require that the parent (normally the Father) be called to come in IMMEDIATELY to SCA to administer the spanking". Parents are also told they must "exercise proper Biblical discipline procedures including spanking" at home.

Southland Christian Academy, Denham Springs
At this K-12 school, "Corporal correction" may be applied to students who earn "excessive detentions". See also the Corporal Correction Form, where parents must state that they "fully support SCA's discipline procedures" and authorize the school to spank their student. There is no provision for opting out of CP.

These Louisiana private schools also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:

Calvary Baptist Academy, Shreveport

Geneva Academy, Monroe

Hamilton Christian School, Lake Charles

Lafayette Christian Academy

Northeast Baptist School, West Monroe

Philadelphia Christian Academy, Lafayette, Louisiana

Silliman Institute, Clinton

Tallulah Academy

Westminster Christian Academy, Opelousas

Word of God Academy, Shreveport

LOUISIANA: public schools

Beauregard Parish School Board (covers DeRidder, Longville, Merryville, Singer)
Corporal punishment "shall consist of two licks with a paddle", administered to the student's buttocks by the principal or designee. It is no longer specified that it should be a "last resort". Parents "may" (but not "shall") be notified. CP is also specifically mentioned for a second school bus disturbance.
  Stats: There were 85 paddlings in Beauregard Parish in 2013, falling to 28 in 2014/15 and 34 in 2015/16, according to this Dec 2016 news report, which also says that students may be given a choice between a paddling and either ISS or detention.

Bossier Parish Schools (covers Benton, Bossier City, Elm Grove, Haughton, Plain Dealing, Princeton)
-- Parkway High School
"Corporal punishment is recognized by the Board as an appropriate means of discipline." An "appropriately sized paddle" is applied to "the buttocks only". There is no longer any mention of the possibility of spanking with the teacher's hand, instead of paddling, at elementary level. Also gone from the latest version is the size of the paddle (not more than 18" long or 3/8" thick and between 3" and 6" wide).
  Parents who object to CP must notify the school in writing.
  Parkway High merely mentions that corporal punishment is a possibility.
  See also this March 2009 news item, which says that 40 students were paddled here in 2008, and this Oct 2014 report.

Central Community School System (covers parts of Baton Rouge, Central, Greenwell Springs)
There is a maximum of three swats, to be applied to the student's buttocks. Only the principal or assistant principal may administer it. Parents may sign a form to opt out. The paddle is 20 in. long, 4 in. wide and not more than half an inch thick. "A log will be kept on all paddlings".

Claiborne Parish School Board
"Corporal punishment shall be limited to punishing or correcting a student by striking the student a maximum of four (4) times on the posterior anatomy in an area below the waist with a standard paddle supplied by Claiborne Parish School Board."

Iberia Parish School Board (covers Delcambre, Jeanerette, Loreauville, New Iberia)
Corporal punishment must be administered with a paddle to the student's buttocks only.

Jackson Parish School Board (covers Jonesboro, Quitman)
"Each school should have dedicated personnel that are authorized to paddle students."

Lincoln Parish Schools
-- Choudrant High School
In this district, "Corporal punishment shall be administered by paddling the buttocks only".
  "Choudrant High School does not participate in issuing corporal punishment to students. However, parents are welcome to provide this in private in an administrator's office."

Monroe City Schools
Parents are given the opportunity to deny permission for paddling (see form near beginning of handbook). Otherwise, it may be used when other possible remedies, short of suspension, have been used without success. A student "may not receive more than three (3) applications of the paddle at any single session" and "may not receive a paddling more than once in any single school day". "Each school has designated people/person authorized to paddle students."

Morehouse Parish Schools (covers Bastrop, Mer Rouge) [DOC]
Corporal punishment may be given by any teacher, but not by bus drivers. The teacher may spank with his or her hand (it is unusual for this to be specified in official rules), or else use a paddle 20" long, 4" wide and half an inch thick, with a maximum of 3 swats on the "buttocks area". The principal must give permission and there must be a witness. Documentation required includes information as to the race of the student punished. "Mandatory suspension" is the automatic penalty for refusal to submit to a spanking. On a second suspension for this reason (among others), the student may be expelled.
  Parents may fill out a form requesting that their son or daughter not be spanked.
  Stats: In the past, Morehouse has been the public school district with the highest rate of corporal punishment in Louisiana (8.6% of all students were paddled in 2011/12).

Natchitoches Parish School District
"Corporal punishment shall be administered on the buttocks only. A paddle made of wood with no holes or splinters shall be used in administering corporal punishment, and the paddle is not to exceed twenty (20) inches in length, one fourth (1/4) inch in thickness and at least three (3) inches in width, with rounded edges and corners." There is a maximum of four strokes.
  See also this April 2015 news item.

Pointe Coupee Parish Schools, New Roads
Here, CP may be administered only by a principal or assistant principal, using a standardized paddle furnished by the central office. There is a maximum of three licks in grades K through 6, and five licks in grades 7 through 12. Paddling may be administered in lieu of short-term suspension for a long list of offenses including insubordination, skipping class, smoking, disrupting the lunch room, and excessive tardiness.

Richland Parish School Board (covers Archibald, Delhi, Holly Ridge, Mangham, Rayville, Start)
-- Administrator's Handbook
Here, "reasonable corporal punishment of unruly pupils" is allowed "by paddling the buttocks only". Unusually, dimensions for two different paddles are given: max. half an inch thick for the senior high schools (grades 9 through 12) and max. a quarter of an inch thick for all others. In both cases the paddle must be from 4 to 6 inches wide, and from 15 to 18 inches long.
  The Administrator's Handbook adds that "no student should receive more than one paddling per day or two times in a week" because "If a student is repeatedly being spanked then clearly the punishment is not effective".
  Stats: In this district there were 84 paddlings in 2015/16, mostly at the elementary schools.

Sabine Parish School Board (covers Converse, Florien, Many, Negreet, Noble, Pleasant Hill, Zwolle)
Corporal punishment is permitted "due to a necessity to authorize methods of discipline other than suspension and/or expulsion". It must take the form of paddling (max. 5 swats) "in" [sic] the buttocks, with the permission of the principal and in the presence of another staff member. CP may also be offered as an alternative to short-term suspension. It may not be used if parents have submitted a form to that effect. Bus drivers are forbidden to spank.

St Landry Parish School Board (covers Arnaudville, Cankton, Eunice, Grand Coteau, Krotz Springs, Lawtell, Leonville, Melville, Morrow, Opelousas, Palmetto, Port Barre, Sunset, Washington)
-- Port Barre High School
"Corporal punishment shall be administered by paddling the buttocks only."
  At Port Barre High, there was no CP in 2011/12 or 2013/14, but from Aug 2016 the paddle was introduced. It may be applied for a "minor rules violation" if parents choose that option, but only twice in one school year (see last page of handbook).
  History: See, in respect of the district generally, this Nov 2011 report.

St Martin Parish School System (covers Breaux Bridge, Cecilia, Morgan City, Parks, St. Martinville)
"The child/parent has the right to refuse corporal punishment." The handbook adds that "The number of paddles shall range from one to five", which I at first took to mean how many separate implements are allowed to be kept on each campus, but on closer reading it becomes clear from the context that it means the number of swats per paddling. Also, "Paddling shall be administered to the buttocks area of the body".

St Mary Parish Schools (covers Amelia, Baldwin, Berwick, Centerville, Franklin, Morgan City, Patterson)
Wooden paddles used here must be "not longer than 20 inches including the handle, not less than 4 inches wide or more than 3/8 inches thick" and are to be "administered on the buttocks only". There is a maximum of five licks per paddling.
  This further document provides for CP to be applied for Class II behaviors but not Class I or Class III.
  History: See these two video clips showing senior students being severely paddled at Franklin High School in 2007.

Vermillion Parish Public Schools (covers Abbeville, Erath, Gueydan, Kaplan, Maurice, Rayne)
See p.10. Paddles used here must be 14 to 15 inches long, 6 inches wide, and half an inch thick. The paddle must be applied to the student's posterior, with a maximum of five strokes.
  History: See this Nov 2011 news item.

Webster Parish School Board (covers Cotton Valley, Doyline, Dubberly, Minden, Sarepta, Shongaloo, Sibley, Springhill)
"Corporal punishment (spanking)" is permitted for "unruly pupils". Parents may exempt, in which case they must be prepared to come to the school to pick up the student during the school day. A female staff member must be present when girls are spanked. Only the buttocks may be paddled. The paddle is 15 inches long, 6 inches wide and half an inch thick. There is a maximum of five licks. This is the handbook for the four high schools (grades 9 through 12), but the CP language applies across the district.

These Louisiana public schools also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:

Allen Parish School Board
-- Kinder High School New!

Avoyelles Parish School Board, Marksville (grades K-6 only)
-- Stats: 145 paddlings in 2013/14, according to this Dec 2016 news item.

Concordia Parish School Board (covers Ferriday, Monterey, Ridgecrest, Vidalia)

Evangeline Parish School Board, Ville Platte
-- History: See this March 2008 news item and this Nov 2011 report.

LaSalle Parish Schools, Jena

Ouachita Parish School Board (covers Calhoun, Monroe, Sterlington, Swartz, West Monroe)
-- See also this Oct 2013 news item and this video clip showing two actual paddlings under way in 2013 at Richwood Middle School in West Monroe.

Vernon Parish School Board, Leesville
-- Stats: There were 275 paddlings here in 2013/14, according to this Dec 2016 news item.

MARYLAND: private schools

St. Stephen's Classical Christian Academy, Eldersburg
-- Parent Questionnaire
"Defiant and rebellious behavior warrants paddling." The questionnaire asks parents: "Do you hereby delegate to the Headmaster and Rector the authority to apply corporal punishment (spanking) to your children in accordance with the guideline outlines in the Parent Student Handbook? Yes/No."

MICHIGAN: private schools

Howardsville Christian School, Marcellus
"We hereby invest authority in the school to discipline our child as necessary, including corporal punishment."

Northern Michigan Christian Academy, Burt Lake
"I understand that the school has full discretion in the classroom discipline of my child(ren), which includes corporal punishment (spanking). I understand my right to discipline my child personally at the school rather than it come directly from an administrator."

MISSISSIPPI: private schools

Amite School Center, Liberty
"Violation of rules may result in corporal punishment or whatever the Headmaster deems appropriate." It must be administered by the headmaster or assistant headmaster. A consent form must be signed by parents.

Amory Christian Academy
-- Application for enrollment
"Corporal Correction is appropriated [sic] when a student wilfully, repeatedly flaunts [sic -- they mean "flouts"] appropriate authority and/or disrupts his environment so others are significantly impacted. When warranted, corporal correction will be exercised by the Principal or a disciplined-trained teacher."
  The application form stresses that CP is applicable through 12th grade.

Antioch Christian Academy, Lucedale
CP features prominently at this K-12 school. For major violations, "Swift and immediate discipline shall be administered, including corporal punishment". There is a maximum of three paddle swats.
  At the first step on the Discipline Ladder (for three demerits on one day), the student receives detention and must complete an assigned report. "If a student fails to complete the report, he/she will be paddled." However, "If the student or parent chooses, a paddling can be received in lieu of the detention". The second step involves the same again. At the third step, "students will receive corporal punishment and a required act of in-school community service". At the fourth step, "students will receive corporal punishment and suspension for three days". The fifth step normally brings expulsion.
  Where a student habitually fails to complete a homework assignment, and detentions do not improve the situation, "corporal punishment will be administered by the administrator or principal". Also, "Corporal punishment is the standard for cheating".

Bayou Academy, Cleveland, Mississippi
"When a problem becomes serious enough to warrant the principal's attention, extra work, suspension, corporal punishment, and expulsion will be considered."

Benton Academy
Teenagers at this private Christian school who display "disrespectfulness to adults" may receive an immediate spanking. Corporal punishment is the first type of discipline listed for the adolescents in the "Types of Disciplinary Action Used by Secondary Administration."

Brookhaven Academy
In grades 7 through 12, CP comes second in the discipline ladder after detention. Also, the third detention in a 9-week period "will result in corporal punishment". Additionally, "Corporal punishment may be used as a choice for other disciplinary sanctions (with parental/guardian approval)."

Canton Academy
CP is a "viable disciplinary option". It is to be administered by the Head of Schools or the Elementary Principal or designee, with parental consent. Suspension may be an alternative.

Carroll Academy, Carrollton
"Carroll Academy has full discretion in the discipline of students while at the school, including paddling."

Central Baptist School, Hattiesburg
"Corporal discipline" here consists of a maximum of three "firm strokes with a simple, flat paddle", administered by a staff member of the same sex as the student.

Columbia Academy
At this K-12 school, staff "shall have the right to administer corporal punishment to any student for a violation of any rule or regulation". Parental acceptance of paddling "is assumed by the signing of the handbook signature sheet and/or continued enrollment in Columbia Academy".

Columbus Christian Academy, Steens
-- Registration Packet
At this K-12 school, parents are asked to come to the school to perform the paddling, unless the parent asks that the administrator do it. For a second offense of cheating, "The student receives a "0", a paddling, and probation". Paddling or out-of-school suspension is the penalty for a second offense of cutting class; this includes a student driver going to his or her vehicle during the day without permission. CP may also be given for fighting, gang-related activity, chewing gum, eating or drinking outside the cafeteria, stealing, and tobacco. "Whenever parents are required to paddle at school, the paddling must be accomplished prior to the beginning of the next school day. In the event that this is not done, the student will be withheld from class until the punishment has been administered."
  In the Registration Packet, parents must sign that "It is specifically understood by the persons enrolling the child or children hereunder that the rules and regulations of the corporation provide for, among other things, corporal punishment for disciplinary reasons. Said parents or guardians hereby consent and agree that said children enrolled hereunder may be corporally punished by the Administration under appropriate circumstance."

Copiah Academy, Gallman
Discipline with the paddle is offered in grades 3 through 12. It is the school's policy "to administer corporal punishment at the discretion and at the direction of the Headmaster". Parents are contacted beforehand. Student and parents are given a choice of up to 3 licks or up to 5 days' suspension. "When possible men will administer punishment to boys and women will administer punishment to girls."

Deer Creek School, Arcola
-- Grades 7-12
In grades 7 through 12, "The school reserves the right to administer discipline to the extent deemed necessary including corporal punishment". Paddling is the only method to be used. CP is an alternative to detention for a fourth or fifth tardy and for any Level 1 offense. There is a maximum of three licks.

Delta Academy, Marks
At this non-religious private school for grades K through 12, "Paddling is the only corporal punishment to be used". There is a maximum of three licks, to be administered by the Headmaster, Assistant Administrator or coaches. "The student is to be told the reason for punishment. The student will repeat to the teacher why he is being punished. The paddling is then administered. The student will repeat why the corporal punishment was given."

Emmanuel Christian School, Dennis [DOC]
Among other reasons a student "will receive a paddling" (e.g. fighting, lying, defiance), it is specified that for "any student that gets over 5 demerits for a day in the Upper Learning Center ... We will send a note home letting you know you the incident and making you aware that we will be spanking your child the next school day."

Friendship Christian Academy, Victoria
Corporal punishment is one of the "more serious consequences" for misbehavior. Property damage brings "automatic paddling (3 licks)". CP is also automatic in cases of inflicting harm on another person, disrespecting the staff, and "three occurrences of the same problem". Parents who have "opted out" must come to the school office immediately and administer the paddling themselves.

Gateway (formerly Vardaman Street) Christian Academy, Wiggins
Respect for authority and total compliance with the rules and regulations are required. "Corporal punishment is practiced, and strongly recommended as prescribed in Scripture."

Grace Christian School, Louisville, Mississippi
"Spanking will not be the only means of discipline; however, neither will it be a 'last resort'." It is preferred that the parents perform this task at home, but "parents agree to allow school personnel to administer corporal punishment (spanking) as necessary".

Hebron Christian School, Pheba
"Immediate corporal punishment" may be given for major offenses such as fighting or defiance. "The teacher or administrator will administer a paddling with a witness present." There is a maximum of three strokes.

Heritage Christian Academy, Holly Springs [DOC]
CP is available for repeated Level I violations and first instances of Level II or Level III violations.

Heritage Academy High School, Columbus, Mississippi
This document, for the junior and senior high school, includes a corporal punishment agreement form which the student as well as the parent must sign. "If corporal punishment is refused as a disciplinary measure, then two days of out-of-school suspension (OSS) is a mandatory requirement."

Hillcrest Christian School, Jackson
CP is mentioned as a method of discipline at both the Lower School and the Upper School. "In the event that corporal punishment is warranted", the Dean will call the parents to discuss it. The Principal is authorized to administer CP, with parental permission.

Kirk Academy, Grenada
Corporal punishment is "used in cases deemed necessary" (see page 19). In particular, boys who have their hair too long or who are unshaven for a third time "will receive internal suspension or corporal punishment" (see page 28).

Laurel Christian School, Laurel
-- Elementary handbook
-- Grades 7 through 12 handbook
The application for enrollment says that the school "has full discretion in the discipline of students while at the school, including paddling". This implies that parental objections are not accepted.
  At the elementary school, CP may be administered by the principal, in the presence of another staff member. Parents are notified beforehand.
  Students in grades 7 through 12 may be paddled for disrespect and disobedience, and as a last resort for repeated minor offenses. The punishment is delivered by an administrator and witnessed by a teacher or administrator.

Leake Academy, Madden
"Corporal Punishment (Paddling)" comes first in a list of "forms of disciplinary action" at this K-12 school. The document stresses (in capital letters) that all teachers may paddle all students.

Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Madison
"Spankings will be administered" in grades 6 through 12.

Manchester Academy, Yazoo City
CP may be administered to students grade 7-12 for discipline in the areas of disrespect and disobedience, or as a last resort for repeated minor offenses. The punishment will be administered by an administrator in grades 7-12.

North Delta School, Batesville
At this K-12 Christian school, "there are times when the school administration will deem corporal punishment to be a necessary punishment". "Parents will be given the option of 'licks' or a one-day in-school suspension for their child's unacceptable behavior."

North Sunflower Academy, Drew
Parents must agree to the use of CP (without parental notice) when they sign up for this K-12 Christian school. According to the handbook, which seems at present not to be on line, the offenses for which "licks" may be provided include talking in class, inappropriate attitudes, fighting, and failure to turn in homework. Unusually, the staff members empowered to paddle are listed by name. Female students are punished by the "Headmaster" [sic] or the High School Supervisor, who currently are both ladies. The spanking of boys and young men is handled by the (male) Athletic Director.

Oak Hill Academy, West Point
"Corporal punishment may be used as a sanction for misconduct at Oak Hill Academy. ... Parents will be required to sign corporal punishment form."

Presbyterian Day School, Kosciusko
"The vast majority of discipline problems are to be dealt with at the classroom level and may include spanking by the teacher or spanking by the parent in the presence of the teacher."

Russell Christian Academy, Meridian
At this K-12 school, corporal punishment is defined as "striking the student on the buttocks with a paddle", to be carried out by the Dean of Students or the Headmaster, or the parent may opt to come to the school and do it. There is a maximum of three swats. "Paddling may replace detentions and/or Saturday school." There is a parental opt-out form.

Simpson County Academy, Mendenhall
"All students who attend Simpson Academy are subject to corporal punishment, or paddling." This covers grades K through 12. Parents are required to sign a form approving the use of CP, which is mentioned in particular for "when a student wilfully disobeys school rules or is a repeat offender" and where "circumstances indicate the need for strong measures".

Temple Christian Academy, Gulfport
Parents must sign that they understand that corporal punishment will be used as necessary.

Tri County Academy, Flora
Within the registration packet is to be found the "Corporal Punishment Agreement", where parents may agree or disagree with CP (the alternative is suspension). Prior consent must be obtained from both parents. Parents are reminded that paddling can cause bruising.
  See also this Feb 2014 news item and this June 2014 follow-up.

Unity Christian Academy, Leland
"The possibility of corporal punishment is a motivator for students to consider their actions and can be an effective deterrent to unacceptable behavior before it occurs." It consists of "spanking with a wooden paddle with no more than three firm strokes".

Wilkinson County Christian Academy, Woodville
Corporal punishment is available for nearly all offenses including, e.g., possession of tobacco, cutting class, public display of affection, cell phone misuse, and "acting in a manner that brings shame or embarrassment to the school reputation."

Winona Christian School, Winona
"Corporal punishment will be administered as needed by WCS." It is particularly mentioned as a penalty for a first tobacco offense and now also for a fourth and fifth tardy per nine-week period.

These Mississippi private schools also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:

Centreville Academy

French Camp Academy, French Camp

Humphreys Academy, Belzoni

Marshall Academy, Holly Springs

Oxford Christian Academy

Park Place Christian Academy, Pearl

Parklane Academy, McComb

Prentiss Christian School

Sylva-Bay Academy, Bay Springs

Tunica Academy

Washington School, Greenville

Winston Academy, Louisville

MISSISSIPPI: public schools

Aberdeen School District
-- Staff Handbook
See page 70 for the High School's "Corporal Punishment Form" on which parents are invited to state whether or not their student may be paddled.
  The Staff Handbook says CP "will always take place in the principal's office".

Alcorn School District (covers Corinth, Glen, Rienzi)
-- 7th-12th Grades Student Handbook
-- K-6 Student Handbook
At the high schools (7th through 12th grades), corporal punishment (maximum now reduced from five to three licks) is permitted as a disciplinary measure for a wide variety of specified offenses including disruption, loitering in the halls, and defiance. For being tardy to school, CP is now available at the first offense, instead of only from the third offense as in previous versions. "Licks will not be given for failing to do assignments or for a failing grade." An unusual provision is that "No coach will paddle at a practice. The student(s) will be taken to the principal the next morning to receive punishment". Also, "The Alcorn Career Center will make all paddles for the district".
  The handbook for the elementary schools contains roughly similar provisions, including the new 3-lick maximum per paddling.
  Stats: There were an estimated 80 paddlings at the three senior high schools in 2009.

Attala County School District
CP may administered for offences at levels I, II and II, but not IV or V (the most serious). There is a maximum of three licks. There is a form on which parents state whether they consent to CP or not. If not, they should "speak to the principal about other options in cases of misbehavior".
  See also this April 2013 news report, which stated that paddlings were frequent in Attala County.

Baldwyn School District
Students who fail to "follow directions the first time they are given" will receive detention or paddling. CP is also specifically mentioned for profanity, gambling, trespassing, theft, and misconduct in ISS.

Benton County School District, Ashland
CP may be used by any licensed teacher. It is no longer only a last resort. Another change is that the teacher administering the paddling need no longer be of the same sex as the student. If a parent notifies the school that CP may not be used, the student is suspended instead. An unusual provision is that corporal punishment may not be administered on school property by a parent. Paddling is specifically mentioned as a possibility for fighting, for a second incidence of misbehavior on the school bus, for a third dress-code violation, for a third tardy to class, and for a first tobacco offense.
  Stats: This Oct 2009 news item says there were 1,511 paddlings in Benton County in school year 2008/09.

Brookhaven School District
For some reason, CP here is restricted to grades K-8. There is a maximum of three strokes. Parents may opt out by filling out the form near the end of the document.

Choctaw Tribal Schools
This group of schools for Native Americans is operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and has nothing to do with Choctaw County Schools (see following item).
  CP "is limited to the striking of a student on the buttocks with a paddle" by the principal or assistant principal. The witness must be a tribal member. The student's classroom teacher should NOT be a witness. If paddling is refused, suspension is mandatory. Parents must sign a form indicating whether or not they wish CP to be used. CP is specifically mentioned for a first bus offense; for a 6th tardy at the Middle School; and for a 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th tardy at the High School.
  There is a separate handbook for the six elementary schools, with similar language but less detail.

Choctaw County School District, Ackerman
CP is not mentioned for any specific offenses at the elementary level, but may be substituted for ISD at the discretion of the administration.
  From 7th through 12th grade, "CP or 2 days ISD" is the specified penalty for a large number of crimes at the first or subsequent offenses, including being in an unauthorized area, "misbehavior with substitute teacher", cutting class, cheating, no hall pass, loitering after school, "inappropriate romantic display of affection", profanity, misuse of computers, etc. and for a second or third offense of possessing over-the-counter medicines. However, "Corporal punishment will not be offered for students who are tardy to school" (this was new in 2022). There is a maximum of three licks per paddling, which shall be delivered to the student's buttocks.
  Stats: Some 135 students were paddled at Ackerman High School in 2009 (95 boys and 40 girls), about 32% of the student roll.

Coffeeville School District
In general, corporal punishment (or detention) appears at step two of the Discipline Ladder, and for a second office referral for misbehavior on the bus. However, the principal has the right to use CP "in any situation when deemed necessary". Also, CP or ISS is the penalty for a fourth tardy to school.
  Parents may submit a written request for exemption. Action in lieu of or in addition to CP may include requiring the parent to attend classes with the student.
  Stats: School year 2009 saw some 140 paddlings at Coffeeville High School.

DeSoto County Schools, Hernando
-- Center Hill High School, Olive Branch
-- Lewisburg High School, Olive Branch
Though in Mississippi, DeSoto County is de facto a suburb of Memphis TN. It is a huge school district. Spanking consists of up to three licks with a paddle on the buttocks per incident.
  The pan-district document notes that CP "may be administered to students of all ages". Parental permission is not required, but individual students may be exempted at the parent's request.
  At Center Hill High, CP is a penalty for a second dress-code violation (in lieu of 3 days' suspension) and for a 2nd, 3rd or 4th tardy in a semester (two swats as a choice instead of 3 days' detention). More generally, a paddling may be provided for a second or subsequent Level I offense and for a first Level II or Level III offense.
  At Lewisburg High, CP is generally available but is no longer specifically mentioned in relation to tardies.
  Several other schools in the district mention that CP may be used, but give no details.
  History: See this Jan 2006 news item and this Feb 2006 follow-up (both with video clips) about a mass paddling of boys by the football coach at Olive Branch Middle School, and this further follow-up of April 2006 giving paddling statistics for the district and revising downward the number of boys said to have been spanked in the incident from around 20 to 10.
  See also this April 2006 report on paddling as an alternative to suspension for dress code violations at Horn Lake Middle School, and this Oct 2009 news item revealing that 2,505 parents in the district have sent letters asking for exemption from CP -- only about 8% of the total.
  Stats: This Sep 2010 news report says that 3,140 DeSoto County students (10.5% of the total -- about average for Mississippi) received CP in the then latest school year, in 4,993 spankings.

East Jasper Consolidated Schools, Heidelberg
-- Heidelberg High School
Paddling is used, for minor infractions, only with written authorization by parents. There is a maximum of "three strikes to the buttocks".
  Stats: Heidelberg High School introduced paddling by the 2011/12 school year, having previously recorded zero instances of CP since 2000/01. During 2015/16, 11 of the 127 boys, and 26 of the 161 girls, received swats -- a very rare case of significantly more girls than boys being spanked.

East Tallahatchie School District
"One day ISS or corporal punishment, with parent contact" is the consequence here for a first dress-code violation. The same applies to a second or third referral for having a backpack in the hall or for any other minor offense. ISS or a paddling at the principal's discretion is also meted out for a fourth and subsequent tardy to school.
  If a student refuses a paddling or a parent objects to it, a three-day suspension is substituted. "The three-day suspension is for refusal to take the punishment by either the student or by the objections of the parent and in no way limits the principal from suspending a student for a period of time greater than three (3) days." CP is "used for disciplinary reasons only and not for academic purposes".
  This is the handbook for Charleston High School; the middle and elementary schools have similar policies.

Enterprise School District (Mississippi)
"Corporal punishment will be administered by the teacher or administrator if the student deserves such punishment." Students violating the bus rules for a second or third time will be suspended from the bus "or receive three paddle licks from the principal". It is now required that the spanking be administered "only to the student's buttocks in such a way that there will be no permanent damage". Parents "who DO NOT wish for their children to be paddled MUST meet with the principal at the beginning of each year on the school campus, sign a form refusing permission, and agree to remove their children IMMEDIATELY from the campus when called. Refusal by a student to receive corporal punishment may result in suspension."
  In grades K through 4, CP may be administered for a third and fourth office visit. In grades 5 through 12 it may be used on any office visit from the second through the fourth.

Forrest County School District, Hattiesburg
All teachers may administer CP. Paddles must be approved and initialed by the building principal. "Suspension is mandatory in cases where corporal punishment is refused." There is no reference to parental consultation or consent. Parents are informed afterwards.
  History: See this Jan 2007 news item, reporting that CP was used regularly here at that time.

George County School District, Lucedale
See Policy JKA on page J-68. CP is to be given by the principal or designee, with a wooden paddle of normal size, solid with no holes. "Licks must be administered to the buttocks only." If the student "refuses to take punishment" the issue must not be forced; instead the student will be sent home for three unexcused days, or until such time as he or she returns with a parent. When a teacher sends a student to the principal's office to be disciplined, the decision on how to deal with it rests with the administration, and the teacher must not tell the student that he/she is going to be paddled or suspended.

Greenwood Leflore Consolidated School District, Greenwood
This district defines CP as "punishing or correcting a student by striking the student on the buttocks with a paddle", and lays down a maximum of five swats per paddling. It is administered by the principal or assistant principal, and must not be used for academic lapses.

Grenada School District (Mississippi) [DOC]
The Board of Education "views corporal punishment as a form of discipline" but if a parent "chooses not to participate" [sic] in it, the form at page 59 must be signed, and "an alternative means of discipline will be used".
  "All corporal punishment must be administered to the buttocks only" with an approved paddle. It is a "possible corrective strategy" for violations at Level 2 and Level 3, but not Level 1 (the least serious). This is the handbook for the High School (grades 9-12); other schools in the district use similar language.

Harrison County School District (covers part of Biloxi, Christian, D'Iberville, Gulfport, Saucier)
The principal or assistant principal must be present at all spankings. Parental permission must be given beforehand. CP must be administered "to the buttocks only" and must not be excessive, though no maximum number of swats is stipulated. Every paddle used must be approved and initialed by the building principal; it must be kept in the office. A form, recording the number of licks administered, is to be taken home by the punished student and given to his or her parents.
  Stats: This district did not formerly make heavy use of the paddle by Mississippi standards: 980 spankings in 2004/05, or only 7% of the student roll. But this Oct 2009 news item says that figure had risen to 1,702 by 2008/09.

Hazlehurst City School District
Corporal punishment, to be delivered by an administrator only, is listed as a possible consequence for a long list of widely varying offenses, according to the somewhat confusing Discipline Ladder. The CP consent form must be signed by the student as well as the parent.

Hinds County School District, Raymond
CP in this school system may be administered only by the principal or assistant principal. It is a disciplinary option for class I, II and III misdemeanors but not for class IV (the most serious). Written parental consent must be on file beforehand. A separate Board policy statement provides more detail: the paddle must be of smooth, non-perforated lightweight wood, three inches wide and no thicker than ⅜ inch, and must be applied to the student's buttocks. The parental consent form is available here.
  Stats: This Oct 2009 news item says there were only 55 paddlings in Hinds County in 2008/09.

Houston School District (Mississippi)
There is a maximum of three licks for any one offense and five licks per student per day. CP may be used for category 1, 2 and 3 offenses. CP is defined as striking the buttocks with a paddle, and it must not be used for academic lapses. Where parents have lodged an objection to CP, detention or suspension will be used instead.

Itawamba County School District
All students here are subject to corporal punishment, and no teacher may be sued for using it. Parents do not have any right to object to the use of CP for their students, a previous provision giving them an opt-out on written request having been withdrawn in 2005.
  At the four high schools, CP (2 swats) is an alternative to 2 half-hour detentions at step 1 of the discipline ladder. At step 2, it is 3 detentions or 3 swats.
  History: See this Oct 2005 news item.

Kosciusko School District
-- Kosciusko High School
-- Kosciusko Junior High School
-- Kosciusko Schools, grades 1 through 5
At the High School, punishment for tardiness or cheating already included paddling, but is now also available for a wider range of crimes, including profanity and dress code violations. Parental permission must be on file.
  Junior High students may likewise be spanked for being late, but also for failing to complete homework assignments and much else.
  At the elementary schools, CP is listed as a possible consequence for any misconduct, with a maximum of three licks.

Lauderdale County Schools (covers Collinsville, Meridian)
CP is indicated at Step 2 of the Discipline Ladder. It must be administered in the principal's office. Parents are informed, and may "deny corporal punishment to their child" by making a written request.

Lee County Schools (covers Belden, Guntown, Mooreville, Plantersville, Saltillo, Shannon, Tupelo, Verona)
CP is a means of enforcing the rules when other methods fail. It is indicated for a first or second offense of "unacceptable behavior", but not for a third such offense, at which point the student is suspended.
  History: See this May 2010 news item about a paddling at Saltillo Elementary School.
  Stats: There were about 1,000 paddlings here in school year 2004/05. This Oct 2009 news item says that figure had risen to 1,707 paddlings by 2008/09.

Louisville Municipal School District (Mississippi)
Step 2 of the Discipline Ladder here is "Corporal punishment or in-school suspension". In grades 3 through 12, a student whose parents have submitted a written no-CP request, "or who refuses to be paddled", will serve up to three days' OSS. "Upon refusal of corporal punishment, the student will automatically be added to the No Paddle list."
  CP is also specifically mentioned as a consequence for a fourth or subsequent tardy per semester.
  Stats: 465 students (332 boys, 133 girls) received a total of 533 spankings in this district as a whole in 2015/16.

Lowndes County School District (covers Caledonia, Columbus)
"Certified staff should serve as witnesses to paddlings whenever possible; however, school secretaries and nurses may serve as witnesses." An unusual stipulation is that "The punishment must be terminated if the witness refuses to witness further". CP "shall be administered to the buttocks only". Parents not wishing their students to be spanked must fill out a form; the alternative may be suspension. Conversely, on the same form parents may request that CP be used "when possible, rather than suspension or detention".
  Corporal punishment is mentioned particularly for a first offense of stealing (grades K-5 only), a first offense of profanity or vulgarity, and a third tardy per nine-week period (grades 6-12 only). It is also a penalty for a second offense of misbehavior on the school bus, as an alternative to one day's suspension from the bus.
  Stats: 86 students received spankings in this district in 2013/14, of whom 67 boys.

Madison County School District (covers Camden, Canton, Flora, Germantown, Madison, Ridgeland)
-- Ridgeland High School
-- Madison Middle School Cheerleading Bylaws
-- Germantown High School JROTC Cadet Handbook
Corporal punishment may be administered for a fourth or subsequent tardy to class (in the case of middle- and high-school students), and is also particularly indicated for taking part in a minor fight, and unauthorized cellphone use, as well as serious offenses in general. All paddles, when not in use, must be stored in the office. Parental requests for non-use of paddling must be made in writing.
  The document for Ridgeland High is "Parking Lot Rules and Procedures", under which student motorists may be spanked for disobeying or disrespecting the parking-lot monitors.
  At Madison Middle School, "Any cheerleader that receives in school detention or corporal punishment will not perform for that week".
  At Germantown, to qualify for a Distinguished Conduct Award, a marine cadet must "Have never been suspended or received licks while a student at Germantown High School".
  See also this Oct 2009 news item, stating that there were 1,104 paddlings in 2008/09, that Madison County students may be spanked for disrespect, and that one of the adults present must be of the same race as the student and another must be of a different race.
  And see this Nov 2015 news report, in which a student who was paddled in 9th grade at Ridgeland High School describes the modus operandi (bending over with hands on a desk).

Marion County Schools, Columbia (Mississippi)
There is a maximum of 3 licks with a paddle in all grades (K-12). CP is particularly mentioned for a 5th or 6th tardy per nine-week period, and for first or subsequent offenses in Category II (fireworks, tobacco, gambling) and Category III (defiance, theft, obscenity, leaving school grounds without permission).

McComb School District
-- McComb High School and Denman Junior High School
-- Elementary and Middle Schools
At the junior and senior high schools, "No teachers will administer corporal punishment": it must be done by the principal or assistant principal, and only with written parental consent.
  The elementary and middle schools add that CP "will only be used once daily for student(s) whose behavior warrants it".
  See also this July 2012 news item.

Mississippi Achievement School District (formerly Humphreys County School District), Belzoni
"Physical punishment includes whipping, spanking, and paddling." Students whose parents object to it will be suspended for one to three days instead. It "shall not be administered on any part of the body except the student's buttocks", nor should it "leave any marks or bruises on the skin or flesh", which seems unrealistic when we know that even a moderate paddling can cause (transient, mild and harmless) bruising on some recipients.

Monroe County Schools (covers Aberdeen, Becker, Hamilton, Hatley, Smithville)
In grades 7-12, CP or one day's ISD is the penalty for a second and third tardy per nine-week period. It may also be used for cell phone and bus offenses. More generally, paddling features at levels 2 and 3 of the Discipline Ladder for grades K-12. "The instrument to be used shall be a paddle and the part of the body to be struck shall be the buttocks."
  See also this Apr 2018 news report (with video clip), which quotes the Principal of Smithville High School saying many students choose a spanking over detention because "they would rather just get it over with [...] If a kid here takes a paddling it's because they chose to take one".

Neshoba County School District
-- Neshoba Central Middle and High Schools, Philadelphia (Mississippi)
-- Neshoba Elementary School
The pan-district policy document has typical Mississippi wording, including reference to the law that says that teachers who use CP cannot be sued.
  In grades 6 through 12, "Corporal punishment (Paddling)" seems to be a first resort. It may be applied for a first and second referral (previously first only), but from the third referral onwards there is a scale of increasingly severe suspensions and no mention of paddling. In addition, however, students may specifically be "paddled or suspended" for "derogatory correspondence". A student who refuses to be paddled is now given three days' OSS (previously ISS). A student who misbehaves while in ISS "will receive corporal punishment".
  At the elementary school, paddling is particularly mentioned for bus offenses.
  Stats: There were about 285 paddlings at Neshoba Central High in 2009.

New Albany Schools
Paddling is applicable to all students from kindergarten through grade 12. The maximum number of licks is three. These may be administered for a first or repeated Class I or Class II violation, and for a first Class III violation. CP may also be given for a second school bus offense in lieu of five days' suspension from riding the bus, but for some reason this applies only to grades K to 8. At the High School, paddling may be administered for a third or fourth tardy.
  Paddling is specifically mentioned as an punishment for a first offense of using a cell phone, as an alternative to one day of SLC; and as a substitute for being given a zero grade for homework not done, provided the work is made up; and for failure to serve detention, in lieu of one day's ISS.
  The handbook contains a form on which parents are invited to state whether they do or do not wish corporal punishment to be used.
  Stats: This Oct 2009 news item says there were 1,249 paddlings in New Albany Schools in 2008/09.

Newton County Schools
For grades 6 through 12, corporal punishment features at steps 2 and 3 of the discipline ladder. It may also be used for a first, second or third case of misbehavior on the school bus, for a third dress-code violation, and for a fifth tardy to school or to class per nine-week period. "Three licks on the buttocks shall be the maximum number applied." The instrument is "a flat-surfaced paddle that will cause no more than temporary pain and not inflict permanent damage to the body". Refusal to take CP will result in suspension. Parents may opt out by filling out a form.

North Bolivar Consolidated School District, Mound Bayou
A commendably straightforward statement: "The striking of a student on the buttocks with a paddle or strap by a principal or designee is used as necessary to maintain discipline and/or enforce school rules."
  See also this Apr 2013 news item, stating that paddling was used frequently at that time.

North Panola School District, Sardis
-- Corporal Punishment Consent Form
CP may be applied for a second minor infraction and a first intermediate infraction. It is also available for misbehavior on the school bus.

North Pike School District, Summit
CP is administered with written or verbal parental consent. It is indicated at elementary level for a third Class 1 (minor) offense, and for elementary and secondary students for any first or subsequent Class II (intermediate) offense. It is particularly mentioned as a punishment for mild fighting.

Pearl Public School District
At the elementary level (page 75), paddling is available only for Level I offenses.
  At the junior high (page 90), "Corporal punishment may be used at the principal's discretion in lieu of OSS, ISS, or ISD."
  And at Pearl High School (grades 9 through 12), students may be spanked for a long list of offenses (starting at page 116) at Levels I through III from tardiness to careless driving. There is a maximum of three licks.
  See also this Apr 2013 news item.

Picayune School District
-- Picayune Junior High School
At step 1 of the discipline ladder comes "One - two periods after-school detention, or two licks (corporal punishment)". Step 2 brings three to five detentions, or three licks.

Pontotoc County School District
-- Teacher Handbook
-- Student Handbook
CP may be administered "by or in the presence of" the Principal, Assistant Principal or a teacher.
  The Teacher Handbook sets out an "order of disciplinary action": 1. Reprimand, 2. Paddling, 3. Saturday Detention, 4. Suspension, 5. Expulsion. "The student has the right to forgo paddling and accept suspension or other disciplinary action at the discretion of the principal."
  From the Student Handbook we learn that CP may be used for a first, second or third offense on the school bus (p.13). In grades 6 through 12, it can be applied for a third or subsequent tardy to class, a first offense of truancy, and for a wide range of other violations including out of place, disrespect, profanity, continuous use of gum, and excessive talking (pages 19 to 21).
  "A student or parent may request in writing an alternative type of punishment instead of corporal punishment."

Prentiss County Schools (covers Booneville, Marietta, New Site)
Corporal punishment may be administered for a second school bus offense. More generally, CP may be the consequence for various specified offenses.

Rankin County School District (covers Brandon, Florence, Flowood, Pelahatchie, Puckett, Richland, Sandhill)
CP is generally to be used when other methods have proved ineffective. In addition to taking account, when delivering the spanking, of the student's age, size and condition -- a standard, if probably fairly meaningless, rule -- the "size, strength and temperament of the disciplinarian" is also to be considered. Paddling is specifically mentioned for a first offense of minor misbehavior on the school bus.
  Stats: This Oct 2009 news item says there were 742 paddlings in Rankin County in school year 2008/09.

Richton School District
Corporal punishment shall be "applied only to the student's buttocks in such a manner that there will be no permanent effects". If the parent or student refuses the paddling, the only alternative is five days' out-of-school suspension.
  For Class I offenses (the less serious, e.g. profanity, 3 or more tardies, parking violations, "unpleasant odor in classroom"), the penalty at the first step is one lick or one day ISI. At step 2 this escalates to 3 licks or 2 days OSS or 2-3 days ISI. For more serious violations (Class II), students get 3 licks on the first as well as subsequent occasions.
  This is the High School handbook; the Elementary School has similar language as regards CP.
  There is an Alternative School, to which errant students may be assigned for up to 45 days. For offenses committed while there, "they will receive either corporal punishment or OSS as deemed fitting by the Alternative School teacher and the administration".
  Stats: 89 students in this district were officially spanked in 2013/14, of which 59 (52 boys, 7 girls) at the High School.

Scott County School District, Forest
-- Bettye Mae Jack Middle School -- Technology Lab [DOC]
"When necessary, reasonable corporal punishment is permitted." It is applied "to the student's buttocks in such a way that there will be no permanent damage". Parents who want to forbid this have to meet with the Principal at the start of each year in person. The student may then be given ISS or OSS instead. CP is particularly mentioned as a penalty for a second bus incident.
  In the tech lab at BMJ Middle School, students are bluntly told that upon a third instance of misbehavior, "You will be paddled".

Smith County School District, Raleigh (Mississippi)
See p.17. For minor rule violations, the student may be offered a paddling (up to 3 licks) in lieu of other punishment. Students in grades 7 through 12 "may refuse to be paddled", in which case they are suspended for 3 days. CP is specifically mentioned as a penalty for a first school bus offense (p.33), as an alternative to three days' suspension from the bus; also for a first offense of profanity (p.9) and a fourth tardy to class (p.36).
  Stats: There were an estimated 490 paddlings at this district's three high schools in 2009.

South Delta School District (covers Anguilla, Rolling Fork)
It is stressed that CP may be used only for disciplinary reasons and not for academic failings or failure to turn in assignments. There is a maximum of five licks with the paddle, to be delivered "only to the fleshy part of the buttocks". The elementary paddle is 14 inches long, 2 inches wide and a quarter inch thick. At the middle and high schools the dimensions are 15" x 2" x ⅜". The material is oak or ash wood. Paddles should not be on public display. Parents may fill out a form to request that their son or daughter not be spanked.

South Panola School District, Batesville
-- South Panola High School, Batesville
-- Staff Handbook
A paddling may be administered for any level I or level II offense as an alternative to ISS, as also for a second violation of the electronic devices policy. CP (or one day's ISS) is also the punishment for a fourth and a fifth tardy per 9-week period. There is a parental opt-out/opt-in form at page 57, which also states that parents are contacted by phone before the paddling takes place.
  The Staff Handbook stipulates (p.17) that the paddle is to be no more than 18 inches long, with no tape or holes. CP must be given by the principal or assistant principal or other administrator, and "is to be administered to the buttocks only". Also, "in instances where corporal punishment is refused, suspension is mandatory".
  Stats: This Oct 2009 news item says there were 2,376 paddlings in South Panola district in the school year 2008/09.

South Tippah School District
Corporal punishment is defined as "Student receives a paddling". It comes into play for a first or subsequent violation at Level I, and a first violation at Level II or Level III. This is the handbook for Ripley High School; other schools in the district have identical language.

Sunflower County Consolidated School District, Indianola
This district was previously called Indianola. It no longer features individual handbooks for each school.
  CP will not be administered where parents have submitted a written objection to it. Paddlings are administered in the principal's office by the principal or assistant principal. CP is specifically mentioned for various "Minor rule infractions" such as a second or third offense of misbehavior in class, a first offense of cutting class, skipping detention, lying, etc. In each case this is as an alternative to ISD.
  See also this Nov 2015 news article, in which a sophomore at Gentry High School says he gets sent to the detention room for an immediate paddling for "being a few seconds late to class or wearing the wrong belt".
  Stats: No CP was recorded at Gentry High School in 2011/12. Two years later, 77 boys and 23 girls received paddlings on at least one occasion.

Tishomingo County School District
-- Student handbook
The board policy states that "no student shall receive more than three (3) licks per incident". It is no longer stipulated that "no student shall be paddled more than one time in a day".
  According to the student handbook, "Corporal punishment may be administered when deemed appropriate." Parents should be notified, but there does not appear to be any provision for them to object. CP is particularly mentioned as a penalty for fighting.

Tunica County School District
See p.36. Corporal punishment is administered by the Superintendent, Principals and Assistant Principals. The paddle is to be max. 18 inches long, 6 inches wide and, the document says, one and one-eighth of an inch thick (surely much too thick -- possibly a misprint). It must be "administered to the buttocks only", and a maximum of three licks is "highly recommended". CP must be carried out in private, such as in "the principal's office, lounge, or vacant teacher's room". The discipline form must be signed by the paddled student him- or herself as well as by the paddler and the witness.
  An unusual provision is that "If corporal punishment must be administered to one individual more than two (2) times in any school session, a suspension or some other approved form of punishment by the principal may follow".

Union County School District (covers Blue Springs, Myrtle, New Albany)
There is a maximum of three licks per day. Refusal to take a paddling "will result in specific suspension which will constitute an unexcused absence". The student being spanked "will be given a disciplinary referral to take to the parent(s)". School officials "will attempt to comply" with a written parental request for exemption from CP, but have no legal obligation to do so. Paddling is mentioned in particular for a second bus offense, dress code violations, parking-lot violations, and three or more tardies in a semester, among other things.
  Local sources report that all high-school teachers have a paddle in their individual classrooms. These paddles are made of Lexan (polycarbonate), thought to be less likely to bruise the student's buttocks than a wooden paddle, all other factors being equal.
  Stats: During 2015/16, 136 boys and 23 girls received a total of 368 spankings.

Vicksburg Warren School District
"Appropriately applied corporal punishment" is for level 1 (relatively minor) offenses only. Parents may opt their son or daughter out by writing a letter at the start of the school year, in which case the student will be suspended instead.
  Stats: 1,120 students were paddled in this district in 2004/05.

Walthall County Schools, Tylertown
In grades 3 through 12, "one-day suspension or corporal punishment" is the consequence for a third tardy. CP is also an option for skipping class, improper driving on campus, tobacco, and improper physical contact, among other things. There is a maximum of five licks.
  Stats: At Tylertown High School, 45 boys and 25 girls received one or more paddlings in 2009/10; this increased to 61 boys and 35 girls in 2011/12.

Water Valley Schools
CP is to be administered in the presence of the principal or assistant principal. All paddles must be approved by the principal, and applied to the student's buttocks only. Parents may request exemption by filling out the form on page 93.
  Stats: During 2013/14, 25 boys and 10 girls were paddled on at least one occasion at Water Valley High School.

Wayne County School District (covers Buckatunna, Clara, Waynesboro)
-- Elementary/Middle schools (grades K through 8)
-- Wayne County High School (grades 9 through 12)
At the High School, the principal may use CP for any level 1, 2 or 3 violation. Parents may fill out a form asking that their student not be paddled.
  In the elementary schools and the Middle School, CP is provided for any level of offense, where parents have signed the permission form.
  Stats: This district administered about 1,010 spankings in 2004/05, or 26% of the enrollment.

Webster County School District (covers Eupora, Maben, Mathiston)
Parents who wish their son or daughter not to be paddled must go to the school office in person to fill out a form each school year. "Students should inform school personnel that they are on the non-corporal punishment list before receiving punishment." In such a case, the parent will be required to come to the school and take the miscreant home.
  At high-school level, CP may be given for sexual behavior or display of affection, profanity, and tobacco, and for a first offense of being out of place, disturbing class, or not being prepared for class. Paddling is also mentioned for dress code infractions.
  History: See this Nov 2007 news item and this April 2008 follow-up about an 18-year-old student who was paddled for violating the dress code. A lawsuit against the principal failed. (The age of majority in Mississippi is 21.)

West Bolivar School District
For "Class III" (relatively serious) offenses, "Corporal punishment may be an option for any infraction less than five days of suspension".
  History: See this Aug 2008 news item.

West Tallahatchie School District, Webb
"Corporal punishment will be used as an option for management of student behavior." This applies at both the high school and the elementary school. Below are pictured the parental consent form, and a rather scruffy-looking paddle at the elementary school.

Winona School District, Mississippi
-- Winona Secondary School
Not to be confused with Winona in Missouri. "A student who demonstrates a lack of respect to any teacher or staff member at school, at any school function, or any other time will be paddled, sent to ISS, or suspended." Refusal of corporal punishment "will result in a three-day suspension upon each refusal". Paddling is also particularly mentioned as a penalty for profanity, obscenity, pornography, writing vulgar or filthy notes, and not wearing the correct school uniform.

These Mississippi public schools also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details:

Booneville Schools, Booneville, Mississippi
-- Stats: During 2013/14, 31 boys and 7 girls were paddled on one or more occasions at Booneville High.
Not to be confused with Booneville in Arkansas.

Jones County Schools, Ellisville
-- Stats: See this Oct 2009 news item stating that 1,301 students were spanked in this district in 2008/09.

Kemper County School District, DeKalb [DOC]
-- Stats: 35 boys and 5 girls were paddled at Kemper County High School during 2013/14.

Noxubee County School District, Macon, Mississippi
-- History: See this Oct 2009 news item.

Quitman County School District, Marks
-- History: See this Nov 2007 news item about a junior-high-school student whose parents claimed his buttocks were "severely bruised" after a paddling here.

Tate County School District (covers Coldwater, Independence) and see this March 2010 news item about the paddling of a high-school student.

Western Line School District, Avon
-- Stats: According to this Oct 2009 news item, there were 1,512 paddlings here in 2008/09.

Yazoo City Municipal School District

MISSOURI: private schools

Clinton Christian Academy
"The individual administering corporal punishment will either be of the same gender or a female administering the punishment to a male child." Offenses that may be so punished include "Using the Lord's name in vain", swearing, stealing, violence. etc.

Christian Outreach School, Hillsboro
"COS does support the policy of spanking", mainly at the elementary level. Parents may choose to administer it themselves at the school. "Staff members will never administer corporal punishment to a student of the opposite gender."
  "Students in the secondary grades are usually disciplined without the use of a spanking. If the parents and administrator agree that such discipline could prove effective for the individual, this measure may be used."

Heartland Christian Academy, Bethel
This is both a boarding school, which once had a reputation as a tough bootcamp for kids in trouble (see e.g. this Aug 2003 news item), and a day school for the local community.
  Unusually, there are two forms of CP: "swats on the palm of the hand with a pliable rubber ruler", and "regular swats on the buttocks with a wooden paddle". Parents must sign their acceptance that their student in grades K through 12 "will receive corporal correction when necessary".

Maranatha Baptist Academy, St. Robert
See pp.30/31. "All parents will be required to give their consent for the use of corporal discipline. Swats will be issued at the discretion of the administration." Offenses that may result in CP include "ongoing behavior problems", lying, fighting, and disrespect to authority. If parents refuse to consent, the student is expelled forthwith.

New Covenant Academy, Springfield
The paddle is not used in grades 6 and below. In grades 7 through 12, "reasonable corporal punishment" administered by the Principal "is sometimes necessary".

MISSOURI: public schools

Advance R-IV Public Schools, Advance
The handbook no longer states that paddling will be used "only when deemed absolutely necessary". Intriguingly, the maximum number of paddle swats per spanking has been increased to four, from three in earlier versions. This is the high-school handbook; the elementary school has the same wording.
  At the High School, 34 different offenses are separately listed as punishable with CP, including some which most schools nowadays regard as too serious a matter for a mere paddling, such as possession of weapons. A spankable offense newly added in 2016 was "gang activity". In most cases CP is available for first and subsequent offenses but in the case of dress-code violations only for second and subsequent offenses. Student automobilists may be spanked for parking and driving violations.

Alton R-IV School District -- Alton Elementary School
-- Alton Junior/Senior High School
Upon a second or third referral to the office for classroom misbehavior at the Elementary School, a student may receive swats, administered by the principal in the presence of a teacher or the counselor. CP is also given for assault, fighting, abuse, tobacco use, and other serious offenses.
  Corporal punishment "is part of the behavior continuum" at the High School, and must be administered by the principal in the presence of a teacher. Students may be given a choice between paddling and suspension for a variety of infractions including tobacco use, fighting, verbal abuse, and a second offense of academic dishonesty in addition to being given no credit for the assignment. Swats may also be given for a second minor infraction of the bus rules, if a student chooses this instead of suspension from the bus.
  Stats: During 2013/14, 8 boys and 2 girls were paddled on one or more occasions at Alton High School. This increased to 17 boys and 5 girls who received a total of 33 spankings in 2015/16.

Arcadia Valley Schools, Ironton
Parents may request in writing that their youngsters not be paddled, and the student him- or herself also has the right to refuse swats. It is not clear what then happens instead. The paddling must be delivered to the buttocks, in the principal's office. This is the High School handbook; some other schools in the district have similar language.

Ash Grove School District (covers Ash Grove, Bois D'Arc)
Corporal punishment may be used on the recommendation of the principal. It must consist of "swatting the buttocks with a paddle" in such a way that there is no chance of bodily injury. This should be done preferably by the principal in the presence of "the teacher".
  At the High School, the paddle is regarded as an "alternative disciplinary measure"; parents are notified before it is used.
  History: See this Jan 2005 news item, which describes the modus operandi and states that in practice the maximum number of swats given is three.

Bernie R-XIII School District
At the High School, CP is a disciplinary consequence for Level 1 and Level 2 offenses. It is "used as the first correction for student misbehavior that affects other students' learning or well-being". "A student is not to receive more than one paddling per day. Should there be need for more than one, it is to be postponed until the next day." "Students will be asked if there are any medical reasons they should not be paddled."
  Stats: During 2013/14, no CP was recorded at Bernie High School. But 8 boys and 2 girls received a total of 27 spankings in 2015/16.

Bloomfield R-XIV Schools
-- Bloomfield High School
Both the student and his or her parent must sign: "My student and I have read and understand the Discipline Policy, and accept the consequences entailed for the choices my student made. By marking the next box, I agree to the use of CORPORAL PUNISHMENT as a form of discipline for my student."
  Stats: 31 boys and 5 girls received spankings at Bloomfield High School during 2015/16.

Blue Eye R-VIII School District
This is the Middle School handbook. It says that CP may be given by the principal, and that parents should notify the school if there is a physical condition that would make CP "seriously harmful to the student's health". The separate Elementary and High School handbooks do not mention CP.

Bunker R-3 School District
-- Bunker Elementary School
-- Bunker High School
At the Elementary School, CP is administered by the principal when alternative means of discipline have failed. Parents are notified beforehand.
  High School students may be spanked by the principal for a third and subsequent tardy to school. Paddling may also be the penalty for a first offense of arson, assault, vehicle misuse, bullying, dishonesty, failure to meet conditions of suspension, fighting, and display of affection, among many other things (in most of these instances it may also be given for a subsequent offense); and for a second or subsequent dress-code violation. All told, the phrase "corporal punishment" occurs no less than 58 times in this handbook.
  Stats: During 2011/12, 8 boys and no girls were paddled at Bunker High School. This increased to 11 boys and 2 girls in 2013/14.

Caruthersville School District
-- Caruthersville High School
The High School handbook gives the standard minimal Missouri wording about swatting the buttocks with a paddle when other methods have failed. The middle and elementary schools use identical language.
  A page now removed contained a picture of the elementary school's former assistant principal, Mr Doug White. Could that be the bottom end of a paddle just visible at the front of his desk?
  Yes, it could! Here is another picture of Coach White, on a more recent occasion, now promoted to assistant principal of the HIGH school, taken from a page also currently not on line:

Chaffee R-II School District
-- Chaffee Elementary School
-- Chaffee Junior-Senior High School
At the elementary school, corporal punishment may be administered for level 3 infractions (the most serious).
  CP at the High School is used when other means have failed, and consists of "1-3 swats on the buttocks, preferably from the administration".

Clarkton C-4 High School [DOC]
"Corporal punishment shall be administered only by swatting the buttocks with a paddle."
  "In the event a paddling is refused by either a student or their parent the only alternative available is suspension. [...] It is important to note when a student is suspended the work they miss will be recorded as a zero and not allowed to be made up." Corporal punishment is specifically mentioned as a possible consequence for some 40 different offenses, from academic dishonesty to bullying to sleeping in class to possession of tobacco.
  Stats: 52 spankings were administered in this small district in 2015/16.

Clearwater R-I Schools
-- Clearwater High School
-- Clearwater Middle School
At the High School, CP may be used for both minor and major discipline infractions. "Refusing corporal punishment will result in ISS."
  The Middle School handbook says that "swats" may be administered for any minor or major offense and in particular for fighting, sexual harassment, a second or third offense of cheating, and a second (1-2 swats) or third (2 swats) bus violation. Also, "Failure to serve ASD will result in swats or ISS".

Cooter R-4 School District
CP may be administered for a first offense of truancy, horseplay in the classroom, disrespect, disruption, and insubordination. For a first offense of fighting, gambling, sexual harassment or bullying, the penalty is either CP or some other punishment such as OSS or Saturday Detention. The paddle may also be brought out for a sixth or subsequent tardy, and for a second offense of littering, public display of affection, or improper attire. No student may receive more than one paddling per day, and "it is the teacher's responsibility to check to see if the student has been paddled by someone else that day". The student is also to be asked whether there is any medical or other physical reason why he or she should not receive a paddling. This is the Jr High /High School handbook. No elementary handbook was found.

Delta C-7 Schools, Deering
-- Delta C-7 Elementary School
-- Delta C-7 Junior-Senior High School
The Elementary School handbook says CP must occur soon after the behavior being punished. Paddling is no longer specifically mentioned as a penalty for truancy or tobacco use.
  At the High School, corporal punishment is for misconduct at levels I, II and III but not IV (the most serious). There is a maximum of three swats per offense. Paddling may also be used by the principal for a first or third "bus incident". Students who are truant for the first time may receive corporal punishment, and if they refuse to be spanked they "will not be readmitted to school until such discipline is completed". For tardies, the punishment at the third offense is two swats or two detentions; at the fourth, it is three swats or Saturday school. A similar policy applies to public display of affection. It is not clear whether it is the student who gets to make the choice. CP may also be used for a first or subsequent tobacco offense.
  History: See this Nov 2005 news item about Delta High School.

Dent-Phelps R-III School, Salem
This K-8 school introduced corporal punishment in July 2017. It may be administered for any offense, however major or minor -- everything from arson to dropping litter: no fewer than 63 offenses are separately listed in the handbook as liable to incur either "corporal punishment" or "and/or corporal punishment".

Dexter R-XI Schools
Standard Missouri language about swatting the buttocks with a paddle. There is a maximum of three swats.

Dixon R-I Schools
-- Dixon Middle School
-- Dixon High School
At the Middle School, "No more than three swats with a paddle will be given at any one time." Parents are contacted beforehand.
  The High School handbook says "Corporal punishment can be administered upon parent request with a reasonable paddle and to a reasonable degree of severity". No maximum number of swats is mentioned.

Doniphan R-I School District
At the Elementary School, corporal punishment may be used as a first resort in cases of throwing rocks or fighting. The alternative is suspension.
  At the High School, "the student and parent" may request a spanking in lieu of Saturday school or suspension. There is an unusually high maximum of six swats to the buttocks "for any one event", which must be delivered by the principal. Students who refuse to be paddled may be suspended.
  The Middle School mentions misbehavior on the school bus or in the classroom, and cheating, as offenses worthy of "swats", to be administered to the buttocks by the principal, with a maximum of six swats for any one event. In the 2009/10 version, these six swats were to be spread across two consecutive days. Probably they still are, but that is no longer spelled out.

Dora R-III School District
CP is to be administered by the principal, and involves "swatting the buttocks with a paddle". There is great detail on specific penalties for particular offenses. Thus, for many offenses, such as tobacco use, vandalism or fighting, "1-3 swats" may be delivered at the first offense and "3 swats" at the second. In other cases, e.g. cheating, dress-code violation or public display of affection, it is 1-3 swats for the second offense and 3 swats on the third and fourth occasions. All told, the word "swats" appears 37 times in this handbook.

East Carter R-II School District, Ellsinore
Corporal punishment is listed as an option for a large number of offenses, and also for failure to turn up to after-school detention. The student as well as the parent must sign the acknowledgement form on the last page, which says "I/We also understand that by signing we are agreeing that the student will be complying with the discipline code which includes swats as a form of punishment".
  This is the handbook for the High School; the Middle and Elementary handbooks have similar provisions.

East Prairie R-2 School District
Usual Missouri language about swatting the buttocks with a paddle, preferably by the principal. Corporal punishment may be administered for, among other things, a first offense of arson, assault, automobile misuse, bullying, violating cafeteria manners, fighting, demeaning language, disrespect/ disruption, tobacco, dishonesty, theft, public display of affection, threats or verbal assault, sexual harassment, technology misconduct, truancy and vandalism; and for a second or subsequent offense of disturbing class. This is the Junior High School handbook; the Senior High handbook does not seem to be available as of this writing.

Exeter R-VI School District
"Swats may be an option for some offenses", to be administered by the Principal with parental consent. "Only those students with corporal punishment consent slips on file may have the option of swats."

Gainesville R-V School District -- Gainesville Junior High/High school
At the two high schools, a student or parent may request corporal punishment in lieu of detention or suspension. Paddling is also specifically mentioned as a possible consequence for excessive tardies.

Gideon School District
-- Gideon Elementary School
-- Gideon High School
The first of these three documents is the Employee Handbook for the whole district. Teachers are urged not to threaten to send students to the office to be paddled, as "this will be the principal's decision only". However, teachers may themselves paddle without reference to the principal. Parents do not have any option in the matter. There is a maximum of three swats, and of one paddling per day. If the paddler is angry, the punishment must be postponed until he or she is no longer angry.
  At the elementary school, too, it is made explicit that "Parents do not have a right to refuse the use of corporal punishment when necessary as a means of disciplining a student". Paddling is specifically mentioned as a punishment for a second or subsequent offense of misbehavior on the school bus.
  At the high school, CP is not listed as a standard penalty but may be substituted for ISS or OSS at the principal's discretion. It is not clear whether this occurs only if requested by the student or parent.

Halfway R-III School District
-- Halfway Junior/Senior High School, Half Way
-- Halfway Elementary School
Standard Missouri wording about swatting the buttocks with a paddle.
  The elementary handbook provides a form on which parents may state whether they wish CP to be used, and quotes the principal as saying "there are times when it is very useful and appropriate as a consequence to disrespectful and inappropriate behavior". Parents are welcome to be present when it takes place.

Hermitage R-IV School District
-- Hermitage High School
-- Hermitage Middle School
At both the High School and the Middle School, CP may be used only after other options are not effective. It must be inflicted with "a lightweight paddle" in the presence of two staff members.

Howell Valley R-1 School, West Plains
This K-8 school "reserves the right to use corporal punishment at any consequence step".
  See also this Dec 2016 news item.

Jasper R-5 School District
In the High School, corporal punishment "is allowed when other options have failed"; parents are contacted. At the elementary level, the consequences of a second visit to the principal's office include "ISS/OSS or Swats"; on a third visit, "ISD, OSS, ASD or Swats".
  History: See, in respect of Jasper Elementary School, this Nov 2005 news item.

Junction Hill C-12 School, West Plains
This K-8 school has some unusual detail. CP must be administered in the principal's office, and before the paddling, there must be "a check to see if there are items in the pockets where the swats will be given" -- common sense, but it is rarely spelled out as a printed instruction. Also, the student is to be shown "the proper stance" and informed of "things that can happen if the student does not stay in the position requested".
  In the upper school (grades 5 through 8), "swats" may be given for four or more demerits. A paddling may also be requested in lieu of ISS if the parent has given permission. CP is particularly mentioned for a second or third offense of failing to turn in assignments.

Kennett School District #39
-- Kennett High School
Students at all grade levels may have their buttocks swatted with a paddle as punishment. This is a possible consequence for a first offense of assault or physical or sexual harassment, a first or subsequent offense of disrespect, disruption, extortion, false alarms, fighting, public display of affection, theft, possession of tobacco, or truancy, and a first or second (but not third or subsequent) offense of verbal sexual harassment. Also, spanking (with AEP assignment as an alternative) is the penalty for the third, fourth and fifth tardy to class or to school per quarter.
  History: See this Jan 2006 news item, announcing a clampdown on latecomers: paddling was thenceforth to be the punishment, with AEP (alternative education program) as an option, for every unexcused tardy from the third one in each quarter onwards.
  This May 2006 news item suggests that CP was frequent at the High School at the time, and confirms that students there normally got a choice between a paddling and time in the AEP.
  Stats: At the High School, 68 boys and 20 girls received paddlings on at least one occasion in 2011/12. Two years later these figures had increased to 85 boys and 31 girls.

Lesterville R-IV School District
At the High School, corporal punishment may be used upon a sixth or subsequent referral to the office, on the decision of the principal. It is also specifically mentioned for a first offense of bullying, a fourth or subsequent offense of having unsealed or glass containers, a third or subsequent offense of possessing a cellphone or other device, a fourth offense of horseplay, and a fifth or subsequent tardy to class in a quarter (3 swats).

Lincoln R-2 Schools
Unusual language about witnesses: "All instances of corporal punishment shall be witnessed by a parents [sic] or at least one other adult member of the school staff" -- not necessarily a certificated member of staff, and potentially more than one of them; and most public schools do not allow parents to observe paddlings.

McDonald County R-I School District, Anderson
-- McDonald County R-I School District, Anderson
Corporal punishment, defined as "Application of paddle to the buttocks of the student", is listed in particular as a response to disruption, tobacco, and truancy. However, for some reason "There will be no corporal punishment for tardies". It no longer seems to be mentioned that there is a maximum of three swats.

Malden R-I School District
-- Malden Jr/Sr High School
-- Malden Alternative School The high-school handbook uses the words "swat" or "swats" 36 times, including for public displays of affection, tobacco, rudeness, showing a disrespectful attitude toward staff or visitors, and many other offenses, different numbers of swats being specified for each offense. The normal maximum per incident is three swats.
  At the very strict Alternative School, "Students will be placed in isolation, be required to copy work/memorization work, assigned chores, assigned lunch detention, or receive 1-3 swats for minor offenses".
  Stats: Malden has expanded its use of the paddle to include girls. During 2009/10, 90 boys at Malden High School received swats. Two years later, 105 boys and 35 girls were spanked on at least one occasion.

Mountain View - Birch Tree Schools (covers Mountain View, Birch Tree)
-- Liberty High School, Mountain View
-- Liberty Middle School, Mountain View
-- Elementary schools handbook
The pan-district policy document gives standard Missouri wording (swatting the buttocks with a paddle, etc.) and adds that a student may be exempted only where a documented physician's statement is on file stating that CP would be harmful to the student' physical or emotional health. The implication is that parental objections to CP on any other grounds are not entertained, but this turns out not to be the case.
  The High School handbook states, somewhat ambiguously, that CP "may be an option" at the discretion of the principal, who is the only person who will administer it. Also, "A written permission form will be sent home the first time this punishment would be used" -- which seems to mean that parents get a chance to deny permission after all, despite what the district policy statement says.
  The Middle School has similar language to the High School.
  The handbook for the elementary schools makes clear that parental objections are indeed honored, provided they are lodged in writing within ten days of the student's first arrival at the school. There is a list of infractions of varying seriousness. For "level A" offenses (arson, drugs, weapons, threats), the penalty is 2-3 swats or the same number of days' suspension for a first offense, and 3 swats or 3-5 days off for a second offense. Swats are apparently not an option for a third or subsequent violation at level A. At level B (obscenity, tobacco, cheating) the student receives 1-2 swats or 1-2 days' suspension the first time, 2-3 swats or days the second time, and 3 swats or 3-5 days the third time. For the least serious ("level C") sins, the first offense brings a mere 1 swat or day off, the second 1-2 swats or days, and so on. Fighting is listed as a separate category on its own, and apparently does not attract CP. The same applies to misconduct on the school bus, except for a second (but not first, third or subsequent) violation, where the penalty is 1-2 swats and suspension of bus privileges for up to 5 days.

Neelyville R-IV School District
Look for "Student Handbook" and click on "View". Unusual wording here -- CP "is defined as paddling with a board on the buttocks". Paddles have often been called boards colloquially (as in the old quip about applying the board of education to the seat of learning), but I have not previously seen the word used officially. There now a maximum of three swats.
  "When deemed acceptable, pupils may choose to be paddled in lieu of suspension and/or other disciplinary procedures". Parents, too, may "request it as a first alternative rather than using other forms of discipline".
  Otherwise, "the district reserves the right to use corporal punishment for all students in first or second offense situations", and in particular the board may be applied for a wide range of offenses, including using cellphones, misuse of the gym, disruption, false alarms, inappropriate behavior, littering (second or subsequent offense), tobacco, threats, truancy, failing to complete assignments, and vandalism, among other things. For assault and fighting, paddling may be used only at elementary level; for all the other offenses mentioned, no age limits are specified.

North Pemiscot R-1 School District
-- North Pemiscot Junior High & High School
-- Ross Elementary School
CP consists of "swatting the buttocks with a paddle".
  At the High School, students "are not allowed the choice of suspension in lieu of receiving corporal punishment". A student who refuses a determined punishment will not be allowed to return to school until the parents have a conference with the principal and the student agrees to accept the previously assigned punishment. "The choice of punishment is the decision of the teacher, administrator or school board, not the student."
  CP may be administered (by a teacher or the principal) for a wide range of offenses, including a first offense of threats/harassment, pornography, or fighting; a first or second offense of misbehavior during an after-school activity or assembly; a second offense of tardiness to school, abuse of textbooks, running in the hallway, disobedience or being off-limits; and a third offense of eating/drinking or chewing gum, disrespect or disruption, or minor misbehavior on the school bus. In most of these cases, paddling is an alternative to Saturday School.
  At Ross Elementary, CP (or noon detention, or one day of Saturday School) is the penalty for a second tardy, as well as for a list of offenses broadly similar to that at the High School. In many cases (unlike at the High School), paddling is the only outcome available; there are 46 mentions of "corporal punishment" in the document. It may be administered by teachers as well as the principal. There is the same wording as at the High School about alternatives to CP not being permitted and students not being given a choice of punishment. This is one of the most uncompromisingly pro-CP US school handbooks I have seen in the public sector for a while.

North Shelby School District, Shelbyville
See p.10. "Paddling may be administered by any teacher or administrator ... A paddle must be used (open hand is not permissible)".
  History: See this Sep 2008 news item, which said CP was rare in the district at that time.

Oregon-Howell R-III School District, Koshkonong
-- Koshkonong High School
CP is used for the enforcement of rules, but not for violent or serious offenses. Parents are notified after the paddling has been administered. Parents may opt out, but must take the initiative of putting in a request for the relevant form in order to do so.

Poplar Bluff School District
-- Poplar Bluff Junior High School
-- Poplar Bluff High School
Paddling (max. three swats to the buttocks) is available from kindergarten through grade 12 and must be delivered in the office by a principal or building administrator. Parents are notified after the event. Parents may apply for exemption by filling out a form.
  The Junior High document says "It shall be the prerogative of the Poplar Bluff School District to use corporal punishment as a discipline tool". CP is a penalty for a first offense of bullying, disrespectful or disruptive conduct or speech, extortion, fighting, and tobacco, but not, for some reason, for vandalism, theft or public display of affection. A paddling (2 swats) may also result from missing detention or failing to attend Saturday school.
  The (senior) High School uses much the same language as regards specific offenses, but not the provision about getting spanked for missing detention or Saturday school.
  Students who "refuse to submit to corporal punishment" are suspended for up to 10 days in grades 7 through 12, and for up to 5 days in grades K through 6.
  Stats: This March 2005 news item reported that 680 paddlings were provided to the district's students over a two-year period.

Portageville School District
"A student is not to receive more than one paddling per day. Should there be a need for more than one it is to be postponed until the next day. It is the administrator's responsibility to check to see if the student has been paddled by someone else that day." CP is particularly mentioned for a first offense of classroom disruption, fighting, extortion, false alarm, disrespect, smoking, etc. and a first or second offense of bullying.
  Stats: 34 boys and 18 girls at Portageville High School underwent a formal spanking on at least one occasion during 2013/14.

Richland R-1 Schools, Essex
"Please note that Richland R-1 Schools maintains a policy allowing corporal punishment." Parents may object in writing, but only "due to medical or psychological reasons". For violations of many kinds, one, two or three "swats" may be provided, mostly as an alternative to detention or ISS; it is not clear whether this is a choice for the student him- or herself to make. In total the word "swats" appears 53 times.

Ripley County R-IV Schools
A first, second and third offense of academic dishonesty here incurs all of these consequences: In-school suspension, corporal punishment and no credit for the work. For certain other violations the student will receive counseling "and in addition may receive corporal punishment". A spanking is also particularly mentioned as an option for the first through fourth offenses of public display of affection, a first offense of truancy, and for arson, assault, bullying, disrespect, failure to work in class, and much else. In all, this handbook features the phrase "corporal punishment" 80 times. "Refusal of corporal punishment will result in out of school suspension for the remainder of the day and one additional day." Parents are not permitted to witness the paddlings.

Risco R-II School District [DOC]
Very detailed instructions are given here. The student to be spanked "will place feet together, bend body forward at the waist (about 90 degrees), grasp both sides of the chair with hands, and look straight ahead while corporal punishment is administered". This modus operandi is known to be employed in many schools, but it is pretty unusual for it to be spelled out in a school handbook. There is a maximum of 3 swats per incident.

Scott City R-I School District
Disciplinary actions for minor misconduct include detentions and corporal punishment. The latter consists of a 3-swat paddling. This is the document for the high school; the elementary school has similar wording.
  History: See this Nov 2005 news item.

South Iron R-I School District
-- South Iron High School, Annapolis
-- South Iron Elementary School
At the high school, assault, data security violations, cutting class, disrespect, extortion, public display of affection, false alarms, fighting, cutting lunch line, profanity, and sexual harassment are among the many offenses for which corporal punishment (maximum 3 swats on the buttocks) may be administered. A third, fourth or fifth tardy to class in one quarter may also be so dealt with. The paddling will not cause permanent physical damage, but "occasional bruises occur and are not indicative of abuse". Students who refuse to be spanked will receive one day's suspension for each swat refused.
  The elementary school has a similar policy.

Southern Reynolds Co. R-II School District, Ellington
"Corporal punishment shall be administered only when written permission from parents or guardians is on file."

Southland C-9 Public Schools
At junior/senior high-school level, corporal punishment is the only penalty provided here for a third offense of improper display of affection and of truancy, and for a first offense of tobacco possession or use.

Success R-VI School District
Paddling (once abolished but reintroduced here in 2008) is an option for misconduct at Levels I, II and III at this K-8 school. Parent permission is sought beforehand.

Summersville R-II School District
-- Summersville Elementary School
-- Summersville High School
The pan-district policy document states that corporal punishment shall consist only of swatting the buttocks with a paddle.
  At the High School, refusal to submit to a paddling will result in OSS for the remainder of the day and one additional day. A student assigned to detention who fails to show up for it "will" (not "may") "receive corporal punishment". An unusual provision is that parents are explicitly forbidden to witness the punishment.
  Offenses for which CP is specifically indicated include cheating (first or second offense), bag violations (fourth offense), bullying (first offense), cafeteria misbehavior (first or second offense), destruction of property (first or second offense), extortion (first offense), "sitting idly, sleeping, or otherwise failing to participate in class" (first, second or third offense), tardiness for a second time, tobacco (first through third offense), truancy (second offense), and more. In some cases there is no alternative to a paddling. For instance, for a third graffiti offense, the consequence is "Repair/clean graffiti and corporal punishment" (note "and", not "or" or "and/or").
  A spanking is also the consequence for misconduct on the school bus (second or third offense), not as an alternative to, but as well as, being suspended from riding the bus. But CP for parking violations is no longer mentioned.
  The elementary school document contains similar provisions.

Union R-XI School District (covers Beaufort, Union)
-- Central Elementary School, Union
-- Clark-Vitt Elementary School, Union
At the elementary schools, CP ("no more than four swats with a paddle to the buttocks") is administered by the principal. Parents may choose between CP and suspension. Paddling is specifically mentioned for a third offense of not following instructions or failing to attempt to learn, and a fourth offense of profanity or obscenity; also a second offense of truancy or skipping class.
  There are also Middle School and High School handbooks, but these make no mention of CP. However, the pan-district board policy document says Middle School students may be paddled if parents request it.

Van-Far R-1 School District, Vandalia
-- Van-Far Junior/Senior High School
Here, "the parent or guardian may choose corporal punishment in lieu of a more serious consequence". Most remarkably for a public school, a parent "must be present during the administration of corporal punishment" as well as a staff witness, and "must sign a release form prior to the administration of the swats". Another most unusual (and refreshingly frank) provision is that "Parents and guardians must recognize that for corporal punishment to be affective [sic] it must be administered with enough vigor to inflict a certain amount of pain to the student's backside. Students with injuries close to the area of application, other medical issues, or those that are susceptible to bruising easily will not be administered corporal punishment."
  There is also an elementary school, but its handbook makes no mention of CP.

Webb City R-7 School District (covers Carterville, Webb City)
-- Webb City High School
-- Webb City Junior High School
--Webb City Middle School
The pan-district policy lists (starting at page 35) a wide range of offenses for which CP is a possible penalty.
  At the (senior) High School, students may choose 3 swats with a paddle instead of three hours' detention, but only if they have their parents' consent (surely unnecessary at that age). An earlier version specified that "students may not receive swats more than TWO times in any semester", but this is now changed to "a limited number of times, determined by an administrator". It remains the case that "students may not receive swats for anything less than a 3-hour detention".
  At the Junior High School, students missing detention for a second and subsequent time are offered the choice of 3 days' suspension or corporal punishment (number of swats not specified). The same applies to any student "accumulating detention assignments in excess of 10 school days beyond the date of assignment". Parents' approval for CP is now required; in a previous version, they were merely to be notified after the event.
  History: See this Jan 2005 news item, which says that there were 345 paddlings in 2000, many of them at high-school students' request.
  And see this April 2011 news report (with video clip), which describes the modus operandi for paddling at Webb City and states that "there is a line every Tuesday and Thursday at the office for swats". It also says "A man or woman spanks depending on the gender of student", but this is no longer the case at Webb City High because a female Assistant Principal paddles boys as well as girls, according to local information.

Woodland R-IV School District
-- Woodland Middle School
-- Woodland High School
At these schools (identical wording at both), corporal punishment takes the form of "swatting the buttocks with a paddle (one to four swats)" -- one swat more than the usual Missouri maximum -- and may be delivered for any offense at the discretion of the building principal. Parents are notified subsequently. Unusually, paddling is particularly mentioned for students who repeatedly fail to complete assignments and are therefore deemed "habitually idle".

These Missouri public schools or districts also state that they use corporal punishment, but give few or no details other than, in many cases, the standard Missouri wording about privacy, witnesses, and "swatting the buttocks with a paddle":

Bell City R-II Schools
-- Stats: During 2013/14, 18 boys and 4 girls were paddled at Bell City High School. This increased to 34 boys and 2 girls in 2015/16.

Chadwick School District
-- History: See this Jan 2005 news item.

Charleston R-I School District

Clark County Schools (and see this Sep 2008 news item and this Apr 2014 one)

Fair Grove R-10 School District

Galena R-II School District
-- History: See this Jan 2005 news item.

Glenwood R-VIII School District [DOC]

Green City R-I School District

Holcomb R-III School District

Hollister School District

Jefferson City Public Schools (covers Holts Summit, Jefferson City)
-- History: See this March 2005 news item.

Lockwood R-I School District

Meadville R-IV School District

Norborne R-VIII School District

Osceola School District

Ozark R-VI School District

Stanberry R-II School District (at the high school, but apparently not at the elementary school)

Union Star R-II School District

West Plains R-7 School District

West St Francois County R-IV Schools, Park Hills

Worth County R-III Schools, Grant City

MONTANA: private schools

Kootenai Valley Christian School, Libby
"Parents who believe spanking is effective for their children are encouraged to notify the principal of the kinds of behavior they feel would warrant a spanking, so they can be notified if that behavior occurs. Then the parents may deal with it at home, or come to the school to administer a spanking if they wish."