1. Corporal punishment is defined as punishing or correcting a student by striking the student on the buttocks with a paddle. When such corporal punishment is administered to a student, it must be administered in a reasonable manner taking into consideration the age, size, emotional condition and health of the student.
2. Nothing contained herein shall [**4] be interpreted as prohibiting an employee from using physical force, reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances, in defending oneself against a physical attack by a student or from using physical force, reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances, to restrain a student from attacking another student or employee.
3. Corporal punishment should not be used as the first line of punishment for misbehavior. It should be used only after other methods have failed.
4. Corporal punishment should never be used unless the student was informed beforehand that specific misbehavior could occasion its use. Corporal punishment may be administered to a student in lieu of giving him a short term suspension for violation of any of the school regulations set forth in Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.
5. Prior to the administering of corporal punishment, as is the case with other disciplinary measures, the student shall be advised of the particular misconduct of which he is accused as well as the basis for such accusation and the pupil shall be given an opportunity to explain his or her version of the facts; however, the fact that the student may explain his version of [**5] the facts shall not limit the authority of any school official to determine if [*427] misconduct has occurred and to decide upon and administer punishment therefor.
6. Another school official shall be present whenever corporal punishment is administered. "School official" includes all Livingston Parish School Board personnel who are required to hold a valid Louisiana Teaching Certificate as a condition of employment.
7. A record of each incident of corporal punishment shall be kept on file in the principal's office which shall include the name of the student and the time, date, details of the violation, the person administering such discipline and the witnesses thereto.