State Board of Education could vote on resolution opposing...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A member of the state Board of Education from Charlotte wants to outlaw corporal punishment in all North Carolina schools.

In less than 48 hours, the state Board of Education could vote on a resolution to oppose paddling and other forms of corporal punishment in schools. Until now, they have left the decision up to local school boards, and parents like Steve Ratliff believe it should stay that way.

“I think it deters kids from bad behavior,” Ratliff said. “I don't think the school would do it unless it was required.”

During a Channel 9 investigation last year, we found counties in our area that still allow corporal punishment.

Some parents believe it can be an effective form of discipline.

“I think it would be better if it was up to the parent and the principal and the assistant principal to discuss the problem -- whether there needs to be a spanking,” Tom Hildebran said. “The parent could come in and do the spanking."

Last year, the state started requiring school districts to report the number of times they used corporal punishment. Some counties banned the practice altogether, while others, like Alexander County, haven't gotten rid of it but choose not to use it, either.

Kim Abernathy has quadruplets in the fourth grade and believes the discipline should be done at home.

"Maybe just communication with teachers and principals and letting parents take care of it at home,” Abernathy said. “I don't agree with paddling at school anymore, no."

WSOC