File:  JK - Student Discipline

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 general and major student discipline problems shall be designed to achieve these broad objectives. Disorderly students shall be dealt with in a manner which allows other students to learn in an atmosphere which is safe, conducive to the learning process and free from unnecessary disruptions.

The Board in accordance with applicable law shall adopt 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 shall emphasize 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 conduct and discipline code.

Immunity for enforcement of discipline code

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 criminal prosecution or civil liability unless the person is acting willfully or wantonly.

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 a 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 vehicles or at a school activity or sanctioned events 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 shall 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 in each school of the district.  In addition, any significant change in the code shall be provided to students and posted in each school.

Adopted May 18, 1981

Revised August 23, 1994

Revised September 13, 1994

Revised August 22, 1995

Revised June 25, 2003

Revised September 25, 2012

Revised September 10, 2013

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

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 students)

CROSS REFS.:  GBG, Liability of School Personnel/Staff Protection

JIC, Student Conduct, and subcodes

JK subcodes, (all relate to student discipline)