Paddling banned in Marion County schools

OCALA, Fla. – Paddling of students is again banned in Marion County after a vote by the school board on Tuesday. 

The board voted 3-2 to end corporal punishment across the district.

Last year, the board passed a controversial change that allowed elementary school students to be spanked under certain circumstances if they had permission from parents.

But, some members of the school board say they were flooded with complaints after the vote, and decided to try and have the decision reversed.

The district says the paddle was rarely used.

The change takes effect on June 30.