There should be no debate about the fact that student discipline has been a growing issue in the Warren County School District in recent years.

The real debate was what to do about it. And while school districts around the country, including here in Warren County, need to do their part when it comes to helping to change behavior, the best solution to student discipline issues is to bring consequences for disrespectful and disruptive behavior in classrooms. Too many teachers over the past few years have shared stories of classrooms where it’s hard to believe any student can learn.

We can’t disagree with statements made last week by Gary Weber, Warren County School District superintendent, that make clear to parents, students and teachers that the school district is taking a harsher stance toward school punishment.

The Warren County School District is changing how it handles student discipline in an attempt to reverse a trend of disruptive, disrespectful and defiant behavior from students. Detentions and suspensions will be served outside of the instructional day, with no in-school suspension offered. The district is also reinstituting in-school suspensions on Saturdays. Taking away free time – and inconveniencing parents in the same way a disruptive student inconveniences their teachers and classmates – is a strong step toward bringing order into the classroom.

Stronger punishments don’t mean the district is being unfair. Weber made clear that behavior plans will be created for students who consistently struggle with behavior while the district will continue to work with parents of students with identified disabilities. Restorative practices that include conflict resolution, parent conferences and peer mediation will also continue to be used.

“But again, this is not a substitute for consequences,” Weber said. “We believe in our students. We want them to succeed, and we will work hard to help them. But that support must be matched by expectations, and we need your help.”

No one is advocating for a return of corporal punishment in the classroom. But for those students who have no reason for continued misbehavior, there has to be a punishment that will help correct behavior that affects teachers and other students. We hope the district’s tougher stance will help with the issues we’ve been hearing about for the past several years and make things a little better for teachers, staff and students who are serious about their education.