JKD:   SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS

The School Committee delegates to the principals the authority to suspend disobedient and disorderly students for a period not to exceed 10 school days.  Suspensions may be out-of-school or in-school at the discretion of the building principal, based on the circumstances involved.  Suspensions longer than 10 days may be imposed by the School Committee.

Students in grade five or below may not receive an out-of-school suspension, except when a student has violated the federal Gun-Free Schools Act or presents an imminent danger of serious physical injury to the student or others, and it is determined that less restrictive interventions would be ineffective.  Any suspensions of a student in grade five or below can be no longer than three school days.

Prior to the suspension, except as hereinafter provided:

A.    The student shall be given oral or written notice of the charge(s) against him/her;

B.    The student shall be given an explanation of the evidence forming the basis for the charge(s); and

C.    The student shall be given an opportunity to present his/her version of the incident.

However, students whose presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the instructional process may be immediately removed from school.  In such cases, the notice of charges, explanation of evidence and the student’s opportunity to present his /her version of the incident shall be arranged as soon as practicable after removal of the student from school.

The student’s parents/guardians shall be notified of the suspension as soon as practicable by telephone (if possible) and by written notice sent by mail.  A copy of the notice shall also be sent to the Office of the Superintendent.

The parents/guardians and the student shall be required to schedule a conference with the building administrator/designee within the suspension period and prior to re-admittance to school.

Students shall be responsible for any schoolwork missed during their suspension.  After re-admittance, they shall be permitted to take tests, quizzes or any other form of evaluation affecting their grades.

Adopted:        April 15, 1986

Revised:         July 5, 1994;  October 2, 2012;  December 21, 2021

Cross References:       

JIC – Student Code of Conduct

JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety

JK - Student Discipline

JKE - Expulsion of Students

JKF – Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 1001.9