The Fairfax County school board is scaling back its policy of forcing students in disciplinary trouble to transfer schools.

The board unanimously adopted a policy Thursday that calls on Fairfax officials to consider other disciplinary measures before transferring a student, such as community service, Saturday school and a loss of privileges.

The decision comes after nearly five months of debate on discipline issues.

Fairfax County has transferred hundreds of students to different schools in recent years.

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