Schools Update Discipline Policies

New state-wide suspension policies were outlined during Monday night's School Committee meeting.

Under changes to student discipline law MGL c.71, s.37H-3/4, suspended students must have access to alternative instruction while out of school.

Supt. Dr Pia Durkin says those alternative programs need to be addressed.

Also under the new discipline rules, principals now have greater discretion when suspending a student. This means no more zero tolerance policies.

The changes also call for parents or guardians to be more involved with faculty during the discipline process.