Knowledgebase article 26

LONG-TERM SUSPENSION / 365 DAY SUSPENSION / EXPULSION

NOTICE FROM PRINCIPAL

(To be placed on school letterhead)

SENT VIA CERTIFIED AND REGULAR MAIL

[Date]

Dear [Parent/Guardian]:

This letter is to inform you that [student name] is being suspended from school for ten (10) days (the "short-term suspension") and I am recommending to the Superintendent that [student name] be [long-term suspended for [number] days] or [suspended for 365 days]  or [expelled]. My decision is based on the following:

[List school policy/code violation(s) and provide a short summary of the evidence against the student.  If a 365 day suspension for firearms or explosives is recommended, identify the type of firearm or explosive and the specific evidence that substantiates that the student brought or possessed the device on campus or at a school activity.]

I informed [student name] of the charges against him/her and he/she was given the opportunity to explain the situation and provide any other relevant information.  

[Student name] is not to be on school grounds and cannot participate in any school function during the short-term suspension.  While on short-term suspension, [student name] will be allowed:

1. The opportunity to take textbooks home for the duration of the suspension;

2. Upon request, the right receive all missed assignments and, to the extent practicable, the materials distributed in connection with the assignment; and

3. The opportunity to take any quarterly, semester or grading period examinations missed during the suspension period.

[Student name] will not have these opportunities during any period of long-term suspension.

You or [student name] has the right to request a hearing before the Superintendent to contest my recommendation.  A written request for a hearing must be filed with me within three (3) days of receiving this notice.  A copy of all due process rights, including the right to retain an attorney and/or an advocate for the hearing, is attached to the notice.  

This notice and all records pertaining to this disciplinary matter shall in included in [student name]'s official records.  

If you have any questions, please contact me at [phone number].

   Sincerely yours,

Principal

Enclosure Due Process Notice Form

cc: Superintendent

SUPERINTENDENT LETTER TO PARENT FOR

LONG-TERM SUSPENSION OR 365 DAY SUSPENSION

(To be placed on school letterhead)

SENT VIA CERTIFIED AND REGULAR MAIL

[Date]

Dear [Parent/Guardian]:

After carefully examining the evidence against [student name], I have determined the following:

[Provide the basis for your decision including a reference to any policy/code/ rule that the student is determined to have violated.]

Insert one of the following five paragraphs options:

I have determined that [student name] is eligible for alternative education services in lieu of long-term suspension and [student name] has voluntarily agreed to this reassignment.  Beginning on [date], [student name] will be assigned to [_______________________].  Attendance is mandatory.  Failure to attend will result in unexcused absences and enforcement of truancy laws.

OR

The effective dates for this long-term suspension are [beginning date] to [ending date].  [Student name] is eligible for alternative education services during the term of this suspension.  Beginning on [date], [student name] will be assigned to [_____________________].  Attendance is mandatory.  Failure to attend will result in unexcused absences and enforcement of truancy laws.  

The following information will be included in [student name]'s official student records: [insert].

OR

The effective dates for this long-term suspension are [beginning date] to [ending date].  I have determined that [student name] is not eligible for alternative education services during the term of this long-term suspension because:

___ The student exhibited violent behavior;

___ The student poses a threat to staff or other students;

___ The student otherwise engaged in serious misconduct that makes the provision of alternative educational services not feasible;

___ The student failed to comply with reasonable conditions for admittance into an alternative education program; and/or

___ Educationally appropriate alternative education services are not available due to limited resources.

The following information will be included in [student name]'s official student records: [insert].

OR

The effective dates for this 365 day suspension are [beginning date] to [ending date].  [Student name] is eligible for alternative education services during the term of this suspension.  Beginning on [date], [student name] will be assigned to [_____________________].  Attendance is mandatory.  Failure to attend will result in unexcused absences and enforcement of truancy laws.  

The following information will be included in [student name]'s official student records: [insert].

OR

The effective dates for this 365 day suspension are [beginning date] to [ending date].  I have determined that [student name] is not eligible for alternative education services during the term of this suspension because:

___ The student exhibited violent behavior;

___ The student poses a threat to staff or other students;

___ The student otherwise engaged in serious misconduct that makes the provision of alternative educational services not feasible;

___ The student failed to comply with reasonable conditions for admittance into an alternative education program; and/or

___ Educationally appropriate alternative education services are not available due to limited resources.

The following information will be included in [student name]'s official student records: [insert].

Attached to this letter is a Due Process Notice Form that explains your child’s legal rights, the right to request an appeal hearing before the Board of Education, information regarding record expungement and, in the case of a 365 day suspension, the right to request for readmission.

If you have any questions, please contact me at [phone number].

Sincerely yours,

Superintendent

Enclosure Due Process Notice Form

cc: Principal