JK – Student Discipline

The Board, in accordance with state law, has adopted a written student Conduct and Discipline Code based upon the principle that every student is expected to follow accepted rules of conduct and to show respect for and to obey persons in authority. The Code also emphasizes that certain behavior, especially behavior that disrupts the classroom, is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action. The Board, in accordance with state law, has adopted policies and procedures for handling general and major discipline problems for all students of the District which are designed to achieve these broad objectives. All Board policies and Board approved regulations containing the letters "JK" in the file name constitute the discipline section of the legally required code. In addressing student conduct and applying discipline, the District is committed to:

• Assuring all schools are safe and have an environment that is conducive to learning
• Ensuring the Conduct and Discipline Code is enforced uniformly, fairly and consistently for all students
• Emphasizing proportionate disciplinary interventions and consequences and keeping students engaged in learning
• Achieving nondiscrimination and equity in student discipline policies and practices.

Immunity for Enforcement of Discipline Code Discipline policies and procedures may include acts of reasonable and appropriate physical intervention or force which are not in conflict with the legal definition of child abuse. An act of a teacher or other employee shall not be considered child abuse if the act was performed in good faith and in compliance with Board policy and procedures. A teacher or any other person acting in good faith and in compliance with the discipline code adopted by the Board shall be immune from civil liability unless the person is acting willfully or wantonly. It is an affirmative defense in any criminal action that a person is acting in good faith and in compliance with the discipline code. Responsibilities of Administration and Employees for Student Discipline The administration has the right to expect full cooperation of employees in the planning and execution of discipline and control procedures including support for removing students who persistently or flagrantly misbehave. The administration should advise, counsel and generally assist teachers and employees who are assigned duties requiring supervision in the handling of discipline problems. When disciplinary action requires administrative support and attention, employees may be asked to provide written referrals to the administration. The administrator shall give attention to all referrals concerning behavior and notify the employee concerned of the action taken. While maintenance of discipline in the classroom is a major responsibility of the classroom teacher or another individual assisting in the classroom, the teacher may ask the principal for guidance and assistance without that request reflecting negatively on an administrator's perception of the teacher's individual ability. Remedial Discipline Plans The principal or designee may develop a written remedial discipline plan for any student who causes a material and substantial disruption in the classroom, on school grounds, in school vehicles or at school activities or events. The goal of the remedial discipline plan shall be to address the student's disruptive behavior and educational needs while keeping the child in school. To develop the plan, the principal or designee will arrange for a meeting with the student, the student's parent/guardian and any members of the staff whom the principal believes should attend. The purpose of the meeting will be to address reasons for the student's disruptive behavior and to establish goals, objectives and timelines to modify such behavior. A written plan will be prepared which addresses the student's disruptive behavior, educational needs and what steps are necessary to keep the child in school. The plan may include incentives for good behavior and consequences if the student violates the plan. The plan may be written in the form of a contract which the student and the parent/guardian will sign and date. The parent will be provided a copy of the remedial discipline plan. Discipline of Habitually Disruptive Students Students who have caused a material and substantial disruption in the classroom, on school grounds, in school vehicles or at school activities or events three times during the school year may be declared habitually disruptive students. Any student enrolled in the District's schools may be subject to being declared a habitually disruptive student. Declaration as a habitually disruptive student may result in the student's expulsion from school. The principal will inform the Superintendent or designee when a student causes a second material and substantial disruption. The student and the parent/guardian will be notified in writing of each disruption which counts toward declaring the student habitually disruptive. The student and parent/guardian will also be notified in writing and by other communication, i.e., oral or electronic, of the definition of "habitually disruptive." A student who has been declared habitually disruptive may be suspended or expelled in accordance with applicable Board policy. Distribution of Conduct and Discipline Code The Superintendent shall arrange to have a copy of the Conduct and Discipline Code provided once to each student in elementary, middle, and high school and once to each new student in the District. Copies shall be available in each school of the District. The Superintendent shall ensure reasonable measures are taken to ensure each student is familiar with the Code. In addition, any significant change in the Code shall be distributed to students and posted in each school or electronically on the District and/or school website. The Board shall consult with administrators, teachers, parents, students and other members of the community in the development of the Conduct and Discipline Code.

Cross References:	JK – Student Discipline
	JIC - Student Conduct

Legal References:	C.R.S. § 22-11-302(1)(f) (District Accountability Committee Shall Provide Input to the Board Regarding the Creation and Enforcement of the Conduct and Discipline Code)
	C.R.S. § 18‑6‑401(1) (Definition of Child Abuse)
	C.R.S. § 22‑33‑106 (1)(f) (Grounds for Suspension, Expulsion and Denial of Admission)
	C.R.S. § 22-32-109.1(2)(a)(Adoption and Enforcement of Conduct and Discipline Code)
	C.R.S. § 22-32-109.1(2)(a)(I) (School District Shall Take Reasonable Measures to Familiarize Students with the Conduct and Discipline Code)
	C.R.S. § 22-32-109.1(2)(a)(I)(C) (Discipline of Habitually Disruptive Students is Required Part of Safe Schools Plan)
	C.R.S. § 22-32-109.1(9) (Immunity Provisions in Safe Schools Law)
	C.R.S. § 22-33-106(1)(c)(5) (Definition of a Habitually Disruptive Student)

Adoption Date: August 08, 1966 Last Revised: December 10, 2018