Schools Ease Zero Tolerance Suspension Policies

The Baltimore County Public Schools system is adjusting its policies and practices—in accordance with state regulations—to consider alternatives for zero tolerance suspension.

"We recently revised our policy to give more discretion and flexibility to administrators regarding suspension," said , Board of Education President. "Policy said before if the student did it—they would be suspended."

On July 24, the Maryland State Board of Education voted in favor of revamping state disciplinary regulations to create a "less-punitive culture in public schools," according to The Washington Post.

Schmidt said the school system, which has historically faced high rates of suspension, will focus on student issues "not post-event but pre-event."

"We're really trying to come up with strategies to identify students who may be at risk," Schmidt said. For example, he specified that teachers will keep an eye out for students who may have difficult home situations.

Still, Schmidt acknowledged that it will be a challenge to implement these changes.

"It's a real balancing test keeping kids in school and having an orderly learning environment," Schmidt said.