
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, August 24, 1995                   TAG: 9508250021
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: S-27   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

PARENTS MUST JOIN IN DISCIPLINING

For the first time in Virginia, the parents in every school system will be required this year to take responsibility for helping school officials discipline their children and maintain order in schools.

If they refuse, they may find themselves in court and face up to $500 in fines.

Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved a state law that requires parents to sign a contract at the start of school pledging to work with school officials to ensure that their children are orderly and well-disciplined.

Parents who refuse to sign the agreement could be taken to court by the school board and fined up to $50.

State legislators said the law will give school officials some leverage with parents.

If a child is disruptive, the parents must work with school officials and help manage their child's conduct or face a $500 fine.

Parents will have to meet with school officials when a child is being readmitted after a suspension.

School officials believe the new law will be helpful in cases where parents don't cooperate in disciplining a disruptive child. They said it will give them a stronger hand in discipline issues.

"It would seem to be a good thing in cases where parents won't cooperate," said James Gallion, assistant school superintendent for Roanoke County.

by CNB