Parent, expert react to school corporal punishment

A southwest Missouri school district says it will allow students to be spanked if parents give their permission. The Cassville School District's school board in June approved bringing corporal punishment back to the district after it was dropped in 2001.

Cassville Schools superintendent, says the suggestion came out of concerns about student discipline. The punishment would be used only after other forms of discipline, such as suspensions, have not been effective.

All families are able to choose whether to allow their students to be spanked. School district officials say many parents have complained that the district doesn't use corporal punishment.

The policy says a witness from the district must be present and the discipline will not be used in front of other students.