Obion County Board of Education
August 12, 2013

Background Information:

During the latest legislative session, Public Chapter No. 214 and Public Chapter 222 were signed into law effective April 23, 2013, and July 1, 2013, respectively. Public Chapter 214, Section 4, removes the words “or truancy” from the first offense of the law regarding suspension from schools. It appeared counterintuitive that suspension was a punishment for truancy. Public Chapter 222 clarifies the law to state that principals do not have to punish a student who was involved in an altercation if the principal finds that the student acted in self-defense. To this end, TSBA has developed a sample policy for the Board’s consideration, and it is recommended to be adopted in totality. The Board’s current policy is attached for reference purposes.

Staff Recommendation:

Due to the amendment reflecting current state law, I recommend approval of the above-noted amendment to Board Policy #6.316 – Suspension/Expulsion/Remand, on first and final reading.