Disciplinary Appeals

Content of this section found in School Board Policy JGD-JGE

Appeal of Short Term Suspensions

The parent of a student or the student, if he/she is eighteen years or older, may appeal a short-term suspension imposed by a principal, assistant principal or teacher by submitting a written notice to the principal no later than two (2) school days after the first day of the suspension.  This notice must include a brief explanation of why the suspension should be disapproved.  The principal may waive the requirement that the notice be written if the parent is unable to prepare a written notice.  Should the parent or student wish to appeal a teacher or assistant principal’s decision, the principal may either review and modify any discipline imposed, or refer the review of such discipline to the Disciplinary Hearing Officer.  Should the principal refer the review of such discipline to the Disciplinary Hearing Officer, the principal shall forward the notice to the Disciplinary Hearing Officer for review. 

Upon receiving notice as provided above, the Disciplinary Hearing Officer shall promptly review the discipline and confirm or disapprove it based on an examination of the record of the pupil’s behavior and other relevant factors.  At the discretion of the Disciplinary Hearing Officer, a hearing may be conducted. The decision of the Disciplinary Hearing Officer is final. 

Appeal of In School Suspension

The parent of a student or the student, if the student is eighteen years or older, may appeal an “in-school suspension” imposed by a principal, assistant principal or teacher by informing the principal no later than two (2) school days after the first day of the “in-school suspension.”  Upon being informed of the appeal, the principal shall promptly review the discipline and confirm or disapprove it based on an examination of the record of the pupil’s behavior and other relevant factors, including a hearing, if deemed necessary by the principal.  If the principal was the administrator that imposed the original discipline, the principal may, at their discretion, request the Disciplinary Hearing Officer to decide the appeal in accordance with this section.  The decision on appeal, whether made by the principal or by the Disciplinary Hearing Officer, is final. 

Appeal of Long Term Suspension

The parent of a student or the student, if the student is eighteen years or older, may appeal a long-term suspension imposed by the Disciplinary Hearing Officer by submitting a written notice to the Superintendent no later than ten (10) school days after receipt of the Disciplinary Hearing Officer’s decision letter.  Suspensions imposed by the School Board may not be appealed by administrative means. 

The notice must include a brief explanation of why the Disciplinary Hearing Officer’s suspension should be disapproved.  The Disciplinary Hearing Officer may waive the requirement that the notice be written if the parent is unable to prepare a written notice.  Within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the required notice, the School Board/Discipline Committee will conduct a hearing on the appeal and either confirm or disapprove the suspension.