Paddling is back in an elementary principal's discipline tool box after the Marion County School Board voted Tuesday to add it back into the code of conduct after a three-year absence.
The board ruled that paddling can be used only if a parent gives a standing written OK once a year. In addition, the principal must obtain verbal permission at the time the punishment is handed down.
Under the policy, corporal punishment can only be used at the elementary school level. It can only be used on a child once a semester. Principals are not bound to use the punishment....