A Missouri school district reinstated spanking if parents give their OK

In this March 26, 2011 file photo, supporters of St. Augustine High School, including Byron Bernard, class of 1980, center, with "Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child" poster, demand the right of self-governance, including a corporal punishment policy, march and cheer in front of the Archdiocese of New Orleans at Notre Dame Seminary. (Matthew Hinton/AP)

A school district in southwestern Missouri decided to bring back spanking as a form of discipline for students — if their parents agree — despite warnings from many public health experts that the practice is detrimental to students.

Classes resumed Tuesday in the Cassville School District for the first time since the school board in June approved bringing corporal punishment back to the 1,900-student district about 60 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of Springfield. The district had dropped the practice in 2001.