After two parents say a male Springtown High School administrator paddled their daughters in violation of school rules, the Springtown school board will decide Monday night whether to change the policy.
Students Taylor Santos, 15, a Porcupines cross country runner, and Jada Watt told WFAA/Channel 8 they were paddled by a male assistant principal. Springtown's local policy allows paddling unless parents have filed paperwork opting out, but says it must be carried out by an employee of the same gender.Santos and her mother, Anna Jorgensen, said the petite girl suffered bruises and welts. She said she agreed with the district policy allowing corporal punishment but only by the same gender.Superintendent Mike Kelley told WFAA/Channel 8 he will ask the board to remove the gender limit from the policy and allow men to paddle girls. It is on the agenda for the board's regularly scheduled Monday meeting.The controversy is the latest of several over Springtown's use of corporal punishment.Last year, the Star-Telegram found that Springtown had paddled more than 100 students, more than any other nearby district.In 2007, paddling was restricted to administrators after an incident involving coaches.
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