Katy’s school superintendent says the district has changed it’s mind in a case that stirred a fiery debate over discipline.

“I think it’s a little ridiculous. I think its kind of a long for a minor thing,” said Jordan Craig who is a student at Mayde Creek Junior High School.

The controversy started after Shelby Sendelbach - a sixth grader - scribbled “I love Alex” on a wall at the school.

Not long afterward the district said state punishment guidelines were forcing it to send the girl to an alternative school for four months.

“I think that kind of situation calls for some common sense. I think an appropriate punishment would be give her an eraser and make her clean the wall,” said Antoinette Boulet a local parent.

But Sendelbach’s punishment was the same given to students who fight, make terroristic threats, and are caught with drugs.

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It’s a case that had people talking.

Superintendent Alton Frailey met with board members in an executive session and later said the state’s discipline code never intended to have such a harsh punishment for what many consider a minor violation. “I couldn’t find a single person who wanted to do what we felt the law dictated that we do. So we have worked to create a very creative response to make the right things happen.”

Sendelbach can now return to Mayde Creek Junior High.

Her principal and her parents will now determine how she should be punished for writing a three word love note on the schools gym wall.

Katy ISD Superintendent Alton Frailey is new to the district.

Frailey came from De Soto ISD near Dallas.

The school board applauded him for how he handled the case that created quite a debate over disciplinary actions.

The school board president told Frailey “Welcome to Katy!”