Student Conduct and Discipline
Adopted: 11-8-77
Reviewed: 2-12-03
Revised: 8-11-10, 9-10-25
Philosophy
South Sanpete Board of Education recognizes that every student should have the opportunity to learn in an environment which is safe and conducive to the learning process and free from unnecessary disruption. Every student is expected to follow accepted rules of conduct, show respect for other people and property, and obey persons in authority. In order to maintain a secure and orderly learning environment, the District hereby establishes the following guidelines and procedures to address disruptive student behavior which is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action.
The District provides equal educational opportunity for all individuals. Therefore, the District prohibits all discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Complaints of discrimination or unfair application of this Policy should be filed promptly with the individual's principal/supervisor or the District administration.
Policy
The South Sanpete School District believes that students need parameters of orderly conduct and academic expectations that will guide, mold, and help instill good citizenship, respect, and moral character of students. Therefore, all students shall be held to the highest standards of behavior and citizenship in the classroom, on school grounds, in District buses and vehicles, during school-sponsored activities, and outside of school if their actions have a disrupting affect to the educational process.
Criminal acts or disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated and any individual(s) who engages in such activity will be subject to school disciplinary action, prosecution, or both.
General authority
If a particular type of conduct has the effect of disrupting the learning atmosphere, it should be subject to regulation. The Board possesses discretion in promulgating regulations for the proper conduct of students.
Utah Code § 53E-3-501(1)(b)(v) (2025)
Utah Admin. Rules R277-609-1 (April 8, 2025)
1. Improper Behavior
Students who demonstrate the following improper behavior on school premises, in conjunction with school-related events, and/or disrupt the educational process, are subject to disciplinary action:
- Frequent or flagrant willful disobedience; defiance of proper authority; disruptive behavior, including, but not limited to, using foul, profane, vulgar, and abusive language; fighting; assaults; threats; or other unreasonable and substantial disruption of a class, activity, event, or other function of the educational Reference: Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- Discrimination (including sexual, racial, religious, disability, or any other classification protected by law). References: Policy JECD “Sex Discrimination” and Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- Any gang activity. References: Policy JH “Safe Schools” and Policy JFCA “Dress Standard”
- Possession or use of pornographic or indecent material on school property or in conjunction with a school-sponsored Reference: Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- Trespassing or loitering on school property, stealing, burglary, vandalism; graffiti, or willful destruction or defacing of school property or the property of others.
Reference: Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- Criminal mischief, terroristic threats, intimidation, harassment, bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, or threatened behavior which poses an immediate or significant threat to the welfare, safety, or morals of other students, school personnel, or to the operation of the educational process. References: Policy JGA “Bullying and Hazing” and Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- Demeaning behavior, whether consensual or not, including behavior involving physical violence, restraint, improper touching, inappropriate public display of affection, or inappropriate exposure of body parts not normally exposed in public Reference: Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- Improper use of cellular phones, Mp3 players, iPods, laser pointers, and other electronic devices. Reference: Policy JGB “Interfering Devices and Electronic Communication Devices”
- The use, possession, sale, or distribution of drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances, or other similarly harmful substances, including drug
References: Policy JH “Safe Schools” and Policy JFCI “Drug Abuse by Students”
- The use, possession, sale, or distribution of alcoholic
References: Policy JH “Safe Schools” and Policy JFCI “Drug Abuse by Students”
- The use, possession, sale, or distribution of tobacco products, including any electronic tobacco References: Policy JHB “Tobacco Prevention” and Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- The use, possession, sale, or distribution of any real or facsimile (look-alike) firearm, weapon, knife, explosive device, chemical device, noxious or flammable material, martial arts weapons, or other dangerous This also includes the actual or threatened use of these items or material. Reference: Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- Misuse of computers, e-mail, internet, or other technology devices and
References: Policies ECB, and ECC “Student Computer Use Policy” and Policy JH ”Safe Schools”
- Truancy, attendance, or tardy violations. Reference: Policy JE “Attendance Policy”
- Violation of dress and grooming standards, including, but not limited to, wearing anything signifying gang affiliation; wearing anything concerning tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or illegal activities; wearing anything immodest; having unacceptable piercings; or wearing anything that disrupts or is reasonably anticipated to disrupt the educational
References: Policy JFCA “Dress and Grooming Standards”; Policy JFCAA “Commencement Exercises Dress Standard” and Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- Any other serious violation affecting another student or school personnel that occurs in a school building, on school property, or in conjunction with any school activity or event. Reference: Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- The commission of any act which would constitute a crime under federal, state or local
Reference: Policy JH “Safe Schools”
- Involvement in any of the foregoing types of conduct outside of school or at school-related activities and events, before or after school hours, which substantially and materially disrupt the educational process.
Reference: Policy JH “Safe Schools”
2. Student Government and Extracurricular Activities
Students who participate in student government and extracurricular activities are held to a higher standard of conduct and citizenship and become role models for others in the school and community. The Board considers it a privilege and not a Constitutional right to represent the school or District in extracurricular activities and in leadership positions. These individuals often play major roles in establishing and maintaining the reputation of the school and the level of community confidence and support afforded the school. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that those involved in student government, competitive athletics and other school activities comply with all applicable laws and rules of behavior and conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting their positions and responsibilities. Students who do not comply with these guidelines and expectations shall face disciplinary action which may include dismissal from a team or removal from office. Students in these positions who are suspended or expelled will lose the privilege to represent, practice or participate during the period of the suspension/expulsion. Utah Code 53A-11-908 (2010)
3. Disciplinary Action
The District shall, with input from administration, instructional and support staff, students, parents, community councils, and other community members, develop a school discipline policy. This policy shall meet the content requirements set forth in Utah Admin. Rules R277-609-4 and shall also provide a process for parental outreach and education regarding the policy and how the District can provide a discrimination and harassment free environment through strategies promoting positive engagement between staff, students, and parents.
Utah Admin. Rules R277-609-3 (April 8, 2025)
Relation of school discipline rules to other policies
Rules and procedures shall prohibit corporal punishment and shall restrict the use of reasonable and necessary physical restraint as set forth in these policies and pursuant to Utah Code § 53G-8-301 and Utah Administrative Rules R277-607. Policies shall include written procedures for the suspension and expulsion of, or denial of admission to, a student, consistent with due process and other provisions of law, including Utah Code § 53G-8-204 et seq. Moreover, all rules and procedures shall be consistent with all other policies of the Board, and all state statutes and federal laws governing school discipline, including Utah Code § 53G-8-203, Utah Code § 53G-8-204 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. § 794).
Emergency Removals
Students may be removed from regular classes or District premises for non-disciplinary health, safety, and welfare reasons when the Board or its designee determines that an emergency exists.
Any student removed from school for any “emergency” reason who is in a condition that threatens his or her own welfare or the welfare of others shall be released to the student’s parent or guardian, the parent’s or guardian’s representative, or other proper authority, including, but not limited to, law enforcement officers and medical personnel.
The District shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent or guardian prior to removing a student from school premises for emergency reasons. If the parent cannot be notified prior to the removal, the parent shall be notified as soon as possible after the removal and the reasons for it.
Students with Disabilities
Federal and state laws impose particular requirements regarding discipline of students identified as having a disability or when the school has sufficient notice of a disability. Discipline of such students must comport with the requirements set forth in Policies for students with disabilities.
Teacher’s Authority
A teacher may send a student to the Principal’s office in order to maintain effective discipline in the classroom. The Principal shall respond by employing appropriate discipline management techniques.
A teacher may remove from class a student who has been documented by the teacher to repeatedly interfere with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with the students in the class. Not later than the third class day after the day on which the student is removed from the class, the Principal shall schedule a hearing to be attended by the Principal or the Principal’s designee, a parent or guardian of the student, the teacher, and the student.
Following the hearing, whether or not all requested parties are in attendance after valid attempts to require their attendance, the Principal shall take one or more of the following actions:
- Suspend the student for a period not to exceed six school days.
- Place the student in an alternative education program.
- Place the student back in the class.
If the student is removed by the teacher a second time within the same semester, the student may be returned to that class only by action of the Superintendent at the Principal’s request. If the student is removed by the teacher a third or subsequent time within the same semester, the student may be returned to that class only by action of the Board at the request of the Superintendent.
Corporal Punishment
A school employee may not inflict or cause the infliction of corporal punishment upon a student.
Utah Admin. Rules R277-608-7 (March 10, 2025)
Utah Code § 53G-8-301(5)(a) (2025)
The term “corporal punishment” means the intentional infliction of physical pain upon the body of a student as a disciplinary measure.
Utah Code § 53G-8-301(1)(a) (2025)
Appropriate Conduct
“Physical restraint” means a personal restriction that immobilizes or significantly reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, body, or head freely.
A school employee may use reasonable and necessary physical restraint only:
- in self-defense;
- to obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object in the possession or under the control of a student;
- to protect a student or another individual from physical injury; or
- to remove from a situation a student who is violent; or
- to protect property from being damaged, when physical safety is at risk.
A school employee shall first use the least restrictive intervention available to the employee, including a physical escort, to address these types of circumstances. (A “physical escort” is temporary touching or holding of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, or back for the purpose of guiding a student to another location.)
Policy is set forth specific provisions governing the use of physical restraint with students.
Utah Code § 53G-8-301(1)(c), (d), (2), (4) (2025)
An employee of the District may not be subjected to any sanction for failure or refusal to commit an act prohibited by this policy.
Utah Code § 53G-8-301(10)(a) (2024)
Policies regarding child abuse reporting shall apply to complaints made to the District regarding improper or unauthorized use of corporal punishment.
Utah Code § 53G-8-301(5)(b) (2025)
Limitation
This policy does not restrict the use of physical contact which is considered to be reasonable discipline for purposes of behavior reduction intervention and which is also in compliance with state regulations and District policies adopted pursuant to Utah Code § 53E-7-204 regarding provision of education for students with disabilities.
Disciplinary Record
Disciplinary records shall be made available to parents/legal guardians or the student, whichever is appropriate, pursuant to the District's student records policy.
Collection and Reporting of Incident Data
School personnel shall collect data regarding incidents which occur on school grounds while school is in session or during a school-sponsored activity and which involve (1) suspension or expulsion of a student, or other formal school discipline (2) minors found in possession of a dangerous weapon, or (3) “law enforcement action” (defined below).
For this reporting requirement, “law enforcement action” means a significant law enforcement interaction with a minor, including (1) a search and seizure by a law enforcement officer (including a school resource officer), (2) issuance of a citation, (3) filing a delinquency petition, indictment, or criminal information, (4) referral to juvenile court, or (5) use of force by a law enforcement officer.
The report of the incident shall also include information on the student or minor’s age, grade level, race, sex, disability status, and youth in care designation. If applicable, the report shall also include the demographics of a student who is subject to student bullying, hazing, cyber-bullying, or retaliation (as defined in Policy). To collect the data, school personnel shall use the form established by the State Superintendent in consultation with law enforcement agencies.
The District shall report the data to the State Superintendent in a timely manner as required by the State Superintendent. The District shall report the data compiled for each school year to the State Superintendent on or before September 1 of the year in which the school year ended.
Utah Code § 53E-3-516 (2025)
Utah Admin. Rules R277-912-2 (April 9, 2024)
Notice of rules
A copy of the rules and procedures shall be made available to all students at the time of their enrollment in the school. If a school makes significant changes to its discipline rules and procedures, written notice of the adopted and revised discipline rules and procedures shall be distributed to all new and continuing students. In the case of all new, continuing or transfer students, a copy of the rules and procedures shall be mailed to the student's parents.
