AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Some students who get in trouble in an east Georgia school system will be doing community service projects instead of being suspended.

The Augusta Chronicle reports (http://bit.ly/18bC9Ud ) that Richmond County students can choose to clean gum off desks, dust trophy cases, pick up trash or other projects instead of receiving an in-or out-of school suspension of less than 10 days.

Richmond County's school board approved the program this week. It gives principals the option of assigning community service projects to students instead of short-term suspension for discipline issues.

Under the program, parents and students have to agree to the alternative discipline and adhere to certain rules. All community service projects would take place at the school.