Debarment, Suspension and Expulsion

The Superintendent or designee shall establish administrative guidelines, in accordance with State and Federal law and regulation, for debarment, suspension and expulsion.

A.       Debarment
A debarment is a prohibition against the student attending classes for up to one (1) day. An administrator may make a debarment. A debarment request by a teacher shall be reviewed by the building administrator or designee, but no later than the end of the school day. A debarment is not a suspension.

B.       Suspension
A short-term suspension is a temporary exclusion from school, and any school-related activities, for not more than ten (10) school days. The authority to issue a short-term suspension rests with the principal or designee. Prior to the imposition of a short-term suspension, the student shall be given the opportunity to meet with the principal or designee.

The student shall be:

a.        advised of the specific violation of the Code of Conduct with which s/he is charged;

b.        advised of the nature of the evidence the principal or designee has to support the charge; and

c.        provided an opportunity to respond to the charge.

A long-term suspension is the exclusion from school and any school-related activities for a definite period of school days exceeding ten (10) school days. The Superintendent or designee has the authority to impose a long-term suspension based upon a recommendation from the building administrator and a finding of misconduct following the opportunity for a hearing.

C.        Expulsions
An expulsion is the total and permanent exclusion of a student from the District, subject to the potential for readmission described in this policy. The Board has the authority to expel based upon a recommendation from the Superintendent or designee and a finding of misconduct, following the opportunity for a hearing.

Following expulsion, the Board may, but is not required to, authorize administration to render services to the expelled student such as admission to a community education program within the District for continuation of academic classes or assistance in obtaining placement in alternative programs within or outside the District.

Building-Level Debarment or Suspension

Lunch/off-campus and parking lot privileges, athletics and extra-curricular participation, detentions, and attendance are considered building-level issues. The student handbook and other documents define the building’s policies and procedures for building-level issues, which align with the preamble of the District’s Code of Conduct and are made available to students and parents at the building.

Debarment and suspension of privileges or participation, the assignment of detentions and consequences for attendance issues are the decisions of the building administration. Appealing decisions made at the building level are heard through the principal or designee. The Superintendent or designee will not hear appeals on debarment and suspension of privileges or participation, or the assignment of detentions and consequences for attendance issues unless the appeal is based on an alleged failure to follow building policies or procedures. In such cases, the debarment or suspension stands during the pendency of the appeal.

Exclusion during Suspension or Appeal

A student is not permitted to attend classes, remain on school grounds (except in the case of an in-house suspension), or participate in any extra-curricular activities during the period of suspension or appeal.