Cassville (Mo.) board votes to reinstate corporal punishment throughout schools

The Cassville (Mo.) school board has voted to reinstate corporal punishment of students. 

The revised policy states that spanking will be allowed in school, but only as a last resort and with written permission from parents, reports the Springfield News-Leader. 

In June, the board adopted a policy that enables the use of corporal punishment but only "when all other alternative means of discipline have failed and then only in reasonable form and upon the recommendation of the principal."

The policy also states: "When it becomes necessary to use corporal punishment, it shall be administered so that there can be no chance of bodily injury or harm. Striking a student on the head or face is not permitted."

The only corporal punishment allowed is "swatting the buttocks with a paddle." One or two swings is allowed for younger students and up to three for older students. 

Each time corporal punishment is used, the policy requires the principal to report the reason and details to the superintendent.

Any parent in the district who disagrees with the use of corporal punishment can opt out. 

The district also offers different forms of discipline such as detention and in-school and out-of-school suspension.