Legislation allows community service as an alternative to suspension
By Richard Moody
Instead of suspending a student from school for bad behavior, two legislators have introduced a bill that would allow school administrators to use community service as an alternative punishment.
The bill (A.8509/S.6282) is sponsored by Assemblywoman Pat Fahy, D-Albany, and Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna.
"Giving the districts and school officials additional options to remedy violations that take place within schools is critical in providing students an alternate path in becoming contributing members of society," Fahy said. "Community service, when used appropriately, can be a more constructive option than suspension. It would allow the student to give back to the community and hopefully learn something in the process."
The bill would add a new section to state Education Law allowing school superintendants to use community service as punishment — in lieu of, or in conjunction with, suspension — in the case of a serious offense that does not put other students in jeopardy. According to the legislators and supportive educators, in some cases, a prolonged absence from school, like in the case of a five-day suspension, can be counterproductive.
http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-02-10-86733.113122-Legislation-allows-community-service-as-an-alternative-to-suspension.html