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Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are expected to follow school rules, but they have special protections under the law. If a student with a disability breaks a rule, the school must first determine if the behavior was related to the student’s disability through a Manifestation Review. If it was, the student usually cannot be suspended in the same way, and their support plan may be updated. However, students can still be temporarily placed in an alternative educational setting if they bring a weapon, use illegal drugs, or cause serious injury. During any removal, students with disabilities continue to receive educational services. Students who might have a disability but haven’t been officially identified are also protected in some cases. If needed, parents or the school can request a fast-track hearing to settle disagreements, and serious crimes can be reported to law enforcement while still protecting the student's educational rights.

Physical Force

Corporal punishment means using physical force to punish a student. It is not allowed for any school employee to use physical force as punishment. However, school staff may use reasonable physical force if absolutely necessary to:

  • Protect themselves, students, or others from getting hurt
  • Protect school property
  • Restrain or remove a student who refuses to stop disruptive behavior and is preventing school activities from continuing

If physical force is ever used, the District must report the incident to the Commissioner of Education.

Student Searches and Questioning

School officials can question students and search belongings if they have a good reason to believe a rule or law was broken. Students do not need to be read their rights or have a parent present, but they will be told why they are being questioned. Lockers, desks, and school storage areas can be searched at any time. Strip searches are never allowed by school staff; emergencies will be handled by police. Police can only question or search students at school if they have a warrant or probable cause, and parents will be contacted first if possible. Child Protective Services (CPS) workers must go through the principal before interviewing students at school and must follow visitor procedures. CPS cannot remove a student without a court order—unless the student is believed to be in immediate danger.

Standards and Procedures to Assure the Security and Safety of Students and School Personnel

The District has created both a district-wide safety plan and an emergency response plan for each school building. These plans are designed to make sure that students and staff stay safe and protected in case of an emergency.

All plans follow state laws and safety rules to make sure schools are secure and prepared.

Visitors to the School

Visitors are welcome in Clinton schools but must check in, wear a badge, and follow school rules to keep everyone safe. Visits to classrooms must be scheduled ahead of time to avoid disruptions. Special events open to the public don’t require sign-in. Anyone who doesn’t follow visitor rules may be asked to leave, and if necessary, law enforcement may be called.

Public Conduct on School Property

Everyone on school property must act respectfully and follow rules to keep the school safe and focused on learning. Hurting others, causing damage, disrupting school activities, using drugs or alcohol, carrying weapons, or refusing to follow directions is not allowed. Students and staff who break the rules will face discipline, visitors may be removed, and serious violations may be reported to law enforcement.

Dissemination and Review

  • The District Code of Conduct is available on the District website at www.ccs.edu under the Board Policy page.
  • Copies are also available in school offices and can be mailed to families if requested.
  • The District will teach staff how to use the Code of Conduct effectively, with a focus on creating a safe, supportive school environment and preventing harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
  • The Board of Education will review the Code every year to make sure it is fair, effective, and up-to-date.
  • Any changes to the Code will be filed with the Commissioner of Education within 30 days after they are approved.