At PCES, we use many forms of discipline, all of which are appropriate and lawful. However, there are sometimes instances of serious, continual, and/or very disruptive misbehavior that require serious consequences. Alabama state law and Phenix City Board of Education policy authorizes educators to administer corporal punishment (paddling) as a possible consequence in these cases.
The Phenix City Schools Code of Conduct states that 'if corporal punishment is required, it shall be administered with extreme care, tact, and caution, and then only by the principal or her designee in the presence of another professional school employee. At no time shall corporal punishment be administered in the presence of another student. The student will be given the reason for the punishment prior to its administration. In cases where a student protests innocence or ignorance, he/she will be given the opportunity to explain that side of the situation.
Because of the ages and maturity levels of students at Phenix City Elementary, it is the policy of the school administration to allow parents to waive the use of corporal punishment with their children, with the understanding that other consequences, including but not limited to suspension, detention, or class exclusion, will be employed at the discretion of the principal or designee.