Teachers’ and Principals’ Rights, Responsibility and Authority Related to Students
Rights, Responsibilities and Authority of Teachers
Teachers’ Responsibilities
Teachers shall have the following responsibilities with respect to the discipline of students:
- Each teacher shall enforce the prescribed District rules for student conduct.
- Each teacher shall comply with District and building rules and guidelines relating to the discipline of students.
- Each teacher shall maintain good order and discipline in the classroom, in the hallways, and on the playgrounds or other common areas of the school.
- Each teacher assigned to classroom duties shall keep and maintain accurate attendance records of students.
Teachers’ Authority
Subject to the limitations of District policy and state rules and regulations, all teachers shall have the authority to discipline any student for any disruptive or disorderly conduct or other violation of rules for student conduct which may occur in the presence of the teacher or when the student is under the teacher’s supervision. Teachers may also recommend the suspension or expulsion of students to the proper school authorities.
Teachers’ Rights
Teachers shall have the following rights with respect to the discipline of students:
- Each teacher shall be entitled to appropriate assistance and support from building administrators in connection with discipline problems relating to students.
- Each teacher shall be promptly advised of any complaint made to the principal or other District administrator regarding the teacher’s discipline of students. The teacher shall be given the opportunity to present his or her version of the incident and to meet with the complaining party in the event that a conference with the complaining party is arranged.
- Teachers shall have access to a student’s records in determining disciplinary action.
Rights, Responsibilities and Authority of Principals
Principals’ Responsibilities
Principals shall have the following responsibilities with respect to the discipline of students:
- Each principal shall be responsible for the enforcement of the prescribed District rules for student conduct and for the compliance with District and building guidelines relating to the discipline of students.
- Each principal may develop such building guidelines relating to student discipline as may be appropriate. Such building guidelines shall be consistent with District rules relating to student discipline.
- At the beginning of each school year, principals shall make available to each certificated staff member, student and parent/legal guardian a copy of this policy (or summary thereof) together with any building guidelines developed.
- Each principal shall provide appropriate assistance and support to teachers in connection with discipline problems relating to students.
Principals’ Authority
Subject to the limitations of District policy and state rules and regulations, all principals and/or their designees shall have the authority to discipline, suspend or expel any student for any violation of rules for student conduct.
Principals’ Rights
Each principal or designee shall be promptly advised of any complaint made to any other District administrator regarding his/her discipline of students. The principal or his/her designee shall be given the opportunity to present his/her version of the incident and to meet with the complaining party in the event that a conference with the complaining party is arranged.