File: JK - Student Discipline

NOTE: Colorado school boards are required by law to adopt a policy on this subject and the law contains some specific direction as to the policy content or language. This sample policy contains the policy content/language that CASB believes best meets the intent of the law. However, the board should consult with its own legal counsel to determine appropriate policy language that meets local circumstances and needs.

The Board believes that effective student discipline is a prerequisite for sound educational practice and productive learning. The objectives of disciplining any student must be to help the student develop a positive attitude toward self-discipline and socially acceptable behavior. All policies and procedures for handling student discipline problems shall be designed to achieve these broad objectives.

The Board, in accordance with applicable 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 code shall be enforced uniformly, fairly and consistently for all students.

All Board-adopted policies and Board-approved regulations containing the letters “JK” in the file name constitute the discipline section of the legally required code.

The Board shall consult with administrators, teachers, parents, students and other members of the community in the development and review of the student conduct and discipline code.

Remedial discipline plans

The principal may develop a 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.

Discipline of habitually disruptive students

Students who have caused a material and substantial disruption on school grounds, in a school vehicle or at a school activity or sanctioned event three or more times during the course of a 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 suspension and/or expulsion in accordance with Board policy concerning student suspensions, expulsions and other disciplinary interventions.

Distribution of conduct and discipline code

The conduct and discipline code shall be provided to each student upon enrollment in elementary, middle and high school. The district shall take reasonable measures to ensure each student is familiar with the code. Copies shall be posted or kept on file in each school of the district. In addition, any significant change in the code shall be provided to students and posted in each school.

(Adoption date)

LEGAL REFS.: C.R.S. 18-6-401 (1) (definition of child abuse)

C.R.S. 22-1-140 (definition of corporal punishment and prohibition of corporal punishment at schools)

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. 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 conduct and discipline code)

C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (9) (immunity provisions in safe schools law)

C.R.S. 22-33-106 (1) (grounds for suspension, expulsion and denial of admission)

C.R.S. 22-33-106 (1)(c.5) (definition of a habitually disruptive student)

CROSS REFS.: JIC, Student Conduct, and subcodes

JK subcodes, (all relate to student discipline)

[Revised July 2023)