Layoffs, discipline policy go to Modesto board

Coming up on the March 15 deadline to alert teachers who might not have jobs next year, the Modesto City Schools board tonight will consider issuing layoff notices to more than 30 teachers, librarians and counselors. Most are elementary school instructional coaches and librarian-media teachers.

The board also will discuss easing its discipline policy so fewer students are suspended. Basically, first offenses will result in suspensions only when the student's behavior presents a physical danger to another person. The proposed changes are in response to a state mandate that the district was disciplining too many students.

In a separate item, the district also proposes to eliminate the U.S. Constitution test as a requirement for junior high/middle school graduation.