Students
Administrative Regulation No. 5144.1
Regulation Reviewed: March 5, 2015
SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION/DUE PROCESS
Definitions
Suspension from school means removal of a student from ongoing instruction for adjustment purposes. However, suspension does not mean any of the following: (Education Code 48925)
1. Reassignment to another education program or class at the same school where the student will receive continuing instruction for the length of day prescribed by the Governing Board for students of the same grade level.
2. Referral to a certificated employee designated by the principal to advise students.
3. Removal from the class, but without reassignment to another class or program, for the remainder of the class period without sending the student to the principal or designee as provided in Education Code 48910. Removal from a particular class shall not occur more than once every five school days.
Expulsion means removal of a student from the immediate supervision and control, or the general supervision, of school personnel. (Education Code 48925)
Day means a calendar day unless otherwise specifically provided. (Education Code 48925)
School day means a day upon which the schools of the district are in session or weekdays during the summer recess. (Education Code 48925)
Principal's designee means one or more administrators or, if there is not a second administrator at one school site, a certificated person specifically designated by the principal, in writing, to assist with disciplinary procedures. Only one such person may be designated at any time as the principal's primary designee and only one such person may be designated as secondary designee for the school year. The names of such persons shall be on file in the principal's office. (Education Code 48911)
School property, for the purposes described in Education Code 48900, includes, but is not limited to, electronic files and database. (Education Code 48900(u))
Notice of Regulations
At the beginning of each school year, the principal of each school shall ensure that all students and parents/guardians are notified in writing of all school rules related to discipline, suspension and expulsion. (Education Code 35291.5. 48900.1, 48980)
(cf 5144 - Discipline)
(cf 5145.6 -Parental Notifications)
Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion
Acts for which a student, including a student with disabilities, may be suspended or expelled shall be only those specified as follows:
1. Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person, willfully used force or violence upon another person, except in self-defense or committed as an aider or abetter, as adjudged by a juvenile court to have committed a crime of physical violence in which the victim suffered great or serious bodily injury. (Education Code 48900(b))
2. Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the student had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, with the principal or designee's concurrence (Education Code 48900(b))
(cf 5131- Conduct)
(cf 5131.7- Weapons and Dangerous Instruments)
3. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, otherwise furnished, or was under the influence of, any controlled substance as defined in Health and Safety Code 11053-11058, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind (Education Code 48900(c))
(cf 5131.6 - Alcohol and Other Drugs)
4. Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance as defined in Health and Safety Code 11053-11058, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind, and then sold, delivered or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance or material and represented same as such controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant (Education Code 48900(d))
5. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion (Education Code 48900(e))
6. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property (Education Code 48900(f))
7. Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property (Education Code 48900(g))
8. Possessed or used tobacco or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited to cigars, cigarettes, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets and betel except that restriction shall not prohibit a student from using or possessing his/her own prescription products. (Education Code 48900(h))
9. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity (Education Code 48900(i))
10. Unlawfully possessed offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in Health and Safety Code 11014.5 (Education Code 48900G ))
11. A student in grades 4-12 may be subject to suspension, but not expulsion, when it is determined that he/she disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, other school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties. A student in grades K-3 may not be suspended for violating this section. (Education Code 48900(k))
12. Knowingly received stolen school property or private property (Education Code 48900(1))
13. Possessed an imitation firearm (Education Code 48900(m))
Imitation firearm means a replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm (Education Code 48900(m))
14. Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault as defined in Penal Code 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a or 289, or committed a sexual battery as defined in Penal Code 243.4 (Education Code 48900(n))
15. Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a student who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of preventing that student from being a witness and/or retaliating against that student for being a witness (Education Code 48900(o))
16. Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma. (Education Code 48900(p))
17. Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing. (Education Code 48900 (q))
Hazing means a method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to a former, current or prospective student. Hazing does not include athletic events or school-sanctioned events.
18. Engaged in an act of bullying (Education Code 48900(r))
Bullying means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, directed toward one or more students that has or can reasonably be predicted to have the effect of placing a reasonable student in fear of harm to himself/herself or his/her property; cause the student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his/her physical or mental health; or cause the student to experience substantial interferences with his/her academic performance or ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
Bullying shall include any act of sexual harassment, hate violence, or harassment, threat, or intimidation, as defined in Education Code 48900.2, 48900.3, or 48900.4 (items #21-23 below), that has any of the effects described above on a reasonable student.
Electronic act means the creation or transmission of a communication originated on or off school site, including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound, image, or post on a social network Internet web site, by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager. A post on a social network Internet web site shall include, but is not limited to, the posting or creation of a burn page or the creation of a credible impersonation or false profile for the purpose of causing a reasonable student any of the effects of bullying described above.
Reasonable student means a student, including, but not limited to, a student who has been identified as a student with a disability, who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct for a person of his/her age, or for a person of his/her age with his/her disability. (Education Code 48900(r))
(cf 6164.4 - Identification and Evaluation of Individuals for Special Education)
(cf 6164.6 - Identification and Education under Section 504)
19. Aided or abetted the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury on another person, as defined in Penal Code 31. (Education Code 48900(t))
20. Made terrorist threats against school officials and/or school property (Education Code 48900.7)
A terrorist threat includes any written or oral statement by a person who willfully threatens to commit a crime which will result in death or great bodily injury to another person, or property damage in excess of $1,000 with the specific intent that the statement is to be taken as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out. (Education Code 48900.7)
A student in grades 4 through 12 is also subject to suspension or recommendation for expulsion when it is determined that he/she:
21. Committed sexual harassment as defined in Education Code 212.5 (Education Code 48900.2)
Sexual harassment means conduct, which when considered from the perspective of a reasonable person of the same gender as the victim, is sufficiently severe or pervasive as to have a negative impact upon the victim's academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. (Education Code 212.5, 48900.2)
(cf 5145.7- Sexual Harassment)
22. Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate violence as defined in Education Code 233 (Education Code 48900.3)
21. Hate violence means any act punishable under Penal Code 422.6, 422.7, or 422.75. Such acts include injuring or intimidating a victim, interfering with the exercise of a victim's civil rights, or damaging a victim's property because of the victim's race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, disability, gender, gender identify, gender expression, or sexual orientation; a perception of the presence of any of those characteristics in the victim; or the victim's association with a person or group with one or mote of those actual or perceived characteristics. (Education Code 23,; Penal Code 422.55)
22. Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation against district personnel or students that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting classwork, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of school personnel or students by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment (Education Code 48900.4)
Removal from Class by a Teacher/Parental Attendance
A teacher may remove a student from his/her class for the remainder of the day and the following day only for acts specified in Education Code 48900 and listed in Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion above. (Education Code 48910)
When removing a student from his/her class, the teacher shall immediately report this action to the principal or designee and send the student to the principal or designee for appropriate action. Ifthat action requires the continuing presence of the student at school he/she shall be appropriately supervised during the class periods from which he/she has been removed. (Education Code 48910)
As soon as possible after the teacher decides to remove the student, he/she shall ask the student's parent/guardian to attend a parent-teacher conference regarding the removal. A counselor or psychologist may attend the conference if it is practicable, and a school administrator shall attend if either the parent/guardian or teacher so requests. (Education Code 48910)
A student removed from class shall not be returned to class during the period of removal without the approval of the teacher of the class and the principal or designee. (Education Code 48910)
A student removed from class shall not be placed in another regular class during the period of removal. However, a student assigned to more than one class per day continue to attend any other regular classes except those held at the same time as the class from which he/she was removed. (Education Code 48910)
The teacher of any class from which a student is removed may require the student to complete any assignments and tests missed during the removal. (Education Code 48913)
Pursuant to Governing Board policy, a teacher may require the parent/guardian of a student whom the teacher has removed to attend a portion of a school day in his/her child's classroom. When a teacher makes this request, the principal shall send the parent/guardian a written notice that the parent/guardian's attendance is requested pursuant to law. (Education Code 48900.1)
This notice shall:
1. Inform the parent/guardian when his/her presence is expected and by what means he/she may arrange an alternate date
2. State that if the parent/guardian does not have a means of transportation to school, he/she may ride the school bus with the student
3. Direct the parent/guardian to meet with the principal after the visit and before leaving school
4. Direct the parent/guardian to contact the school if there are reasonable factors that would prevent him/her from complying with the attendance requirement
Suspension by Superintendent, Principal or Designee
The Superintendent, principal or designee shall immediately suspend any student found at school or at a school activity to be: (Education Code 48915 (c))
1. Possessing, as verified by a district employee, selling or otherwise furnishing a firearm, unless the student had obtained prior written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, with the principal or designee's concurrence
2. Brandishing a knife, as defined in Education Code 48915(g)
3. Unlawfully selling a controlled substance listed in Health and Safety Code 11053-11058
4. Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault as defined in Penal Code 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a, or 289, or committing a sexual battery as defined in-Penal Code 243.4
5. Possessing an explosive as defined in 18 USC 921
In addition, the Superintendent, principal or designee may impose a suspension upon a first offense if he/she determines that the student violated any of items #1-5 listed under Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion above or if the student's presence causes a danger.
For all other offenses, a student may be suspended only when the Superintendent or principal has determined that other means of correction have failed to bring about proper conduct in the student. (Education Code 48900.5)
When other means of correction are implemented prior to imposing suspension or supervised suspension upon a student, the Superintendent, principal, or designee shall document the other means of correction used and retain them in the student's record. (Education Code 48900.5)
(cf 5125 - Student Records)
Length of Suspension
The Superintendent, principal, or designee may suspend a student from school for not more than five consecutive school days unless the suspension is extended pending expulsion. (Education Code 48911)
A student may be suspended from school for not more than 20 school days in any school year. However, when a student enrolls in or is transferred to another regular school, an opportunity school, or continuation school or class, for the purpose of adjustment, he/she may be suspended for not 30 days in a school year.
The district may count suspensions that occur while a student is enrolled in another school district toward the maximum number of days for which the student may be suspended in any school year. (Education Code 48903, 48911, 48912)
These restrictions on the number of days of suspension shall not apply when the suspension is extended pending an expulsion. (Education Code 48911)
Due Process for Suspension
Suspension shall be imposed in accordance with the following procedures:
1. Informal Conference: Suspension shall be preceded by an informal conference conducted by the principal, designee or the Superintendent with the student and, whenever practicable, the teacher, supervisor or school employee who referred the student to the principal. At the conference, the student shall be informed of the reason for the disciplinary action, presented with the evidence against him/her and given the opportunity to present his/her version and evidence in support of his/her defense. (Education Code 48911)
This conference may be omitted if the principal, designee or the Superintendent determines that an emergency situation exists involving a clear and present danger to the lives, safety or health of students or school personnel. If a student is suspended without this conference, both the parent/guardian and student shall be notified of the student's right to return to school for the purpose of the conference. The conference shall be held within two school days, unless the student waives his/her right to it or is physically unable to attend for any reason. In such a case, the conference shall be held as soon as the student is physically able to return to school. (Education Code 48911)
2. Administrative Actions: All requests for student suspensions are to be processed by the principal or designee of the school. A school employee shall report the suspension, including the name of the student and the cause for the suspension, to the Superintendent or designee. (Education Code 48911)
3. Notice to Parents/Guardians: At the time of the suspension, a school employee shall make a reasonable effort to contact the parent/guardian by telephone or in person. Whenever a student is suspended, the parent/guardian shall be notified in writing of the suspension. (Education Code 48911)
This notice shall state the specific offense committed by the student. (Education Code 48900.8) In addition, the notice may also state the date and time when the student may return to school. If school officials wish to ask the parent/guardian to confer regarding matters pertinent to the suspension, the notice may add that state law requires the parent/guardian to respond to such requests without delay.
4. Parent/Guardian Conference: Whenever a student is suspended, school officials may meet with the parent/guardian to discuss the cause(s) and duration of the suspension, the school policy involved and any other pertinent matter. (Education Code 48914)
Although the parent/guardian is required to respond without delay to a request for a conference about his/her behavior, no penalties may be imposed on the student for the failure of the parent/guardian to attend such a conference. The student may not be denied reinstatement solely because the parent/guardian failed to attend. (Education Code 48911)
5. Extension of Suspension: If the Board is considering the expulsion of a suspended student from any school or the suspension of a student for the balance of the semester from continuation school, the Superintendent or designee may, in writing, extend the suspension until such time as the Board has made a decision. (Education Code 48911)
Any extension of the original period of suspension shall be preceded by notice of such extension with an offer to hold a conference concerning the extension, giving the student an opportunity to be heard. This conference may be held in conjunction with a meeting requested by the student or parent/guardian to challenge the original suspension. Extension of the suspension may be made only if the Superintendent or designee determines, following a meeting in which the student and the student's parent/guardian were invited to participate, that the student's presence at the school or at an alternative school would endanger persons or property or threaten to disrupt the instructional process. (Education Code 48911)
If the student involved is a foster youth, the Superintendent or designee shall notify the district liaison for foster youth of the need to invite the student's attorney and a representative of the appropriate county child welfare agency to attend the meeting. (Education Code 48853.5, 48911, 48918.1)
In addition to suspending a student, the Superintendent, principal, or designee may provide services or require the student to participate in an alternative disciplinary program designed to correct his/her behavior and keep him/her in school.
Suspension by the Board
The Board may suspend a student for any of the acts listed under Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion above and within the limits specified under Suspension by Superintendent, Principal or Principal' s Designee above. (Education Code 48912)
The Board may suspend a student enrolled in a continuation school or class for a period not longer than the remainder of the semester if any of the acts listed under Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion occurred. The suspension shall meet the requirements of Education Code 48915. (Education Code 48912.5)
When the Board is considering a suspension, disciplinary action or any other action (except expulsion) against any student, it shall hold a closed session if a public hearing would lead to disclosure of information violating a student's right to privacy under Education Code 49073-49079. (Education Code 35146, 48912)
(cf 9321 - Closed Session Purposes and Agendas)
The Board shall provide the student and his/her parent/guardian with written notice of the closed session by registered or certified mail or personal service. Upon receiving this notice, the student or parent/guardian may request a public meeting, and this request shall be granted if made in writing within 48 hours after receipt of the Board's notice. However, any discussion that conflicts with any other student's right to privacy still shall be held in closed session. (Education Code 35146, 48912)
Supervised Suspension Classroom
A student for whom an expulsion action has not been initiated and who poses no imminent danger or threat to the school, students or staff may be assigned to a, supervised suspension classroom in a separate classroom, building, or site for the entire period of suspension. The following conditions shall apply: (Education Code 48911.1)
1. The supervised suspension classroom shall be staffed in accordance with law.
2. The student shall have access to appropriate counseling services.
3. The supervised suspension classroom shall promote completion of schoolwork and tests missed by the student during the suspension.
4. The student shall be responsible for contacting his/her teacher(s) to receive assignments to be completed in the supervised suspension classroom. The teacher(s) shall provide all assignments and tests that the student will miss while suspended. If no such work is assigned, the person supervising the suspension classroom shall assign schoolwork.
At the time a student is assigned to a supervised suspension classroom, the principal or designee shall notify the student's parent/guardian in person or by telephone. When the assignment is for longer than one class period, this notification shall be made in writing. (Education Code 48911.1)
Authority to Expel
A student may be expelled only by the Board. (Education Code 489180)
The Board shall expel, as required by law, any student found to have committed any offenses listed below under Mandatory Recommendation and Mandatory Expulsion.
For all other grounds listed above under Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion, the Board shall order a student expelled upon the recommendation of the principal, Superintendent, or designee, only if the Board makes a finding either or both of the following: (Education Code 48915 (b) and (e))
1. That other means of correction are not feasible or have repeatedly failed to bring about proper conduct
2. That due to the nature of the violation, the presence of the student causes a continuing danger to the physical safety of the student or others.
Mandatory Recommendation for Expulsion
Unless the principal, Superintendent or designee determines that expulsion should not be recommended under the circumstances, or that an alternative means of correction would address the conduct, he/she shall recommend a student's expulsion for any of the following acts: (Education Code 48915(a))
1. Causing serious physical injury to another person, except in self-defense
2. Possession of any knife as defined in Education Code 48915(g), or other dangerous object of no reasonable use to the student
3. Unlawful possession of any controlled substance, as listed in Health and Safety Code 11053- 11058, except for (a) the first offense for the possession of not more than one ounce of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis or (b) the student's possession of over-the-counter medication for his/her use or other medication prescribed for him/her by a physician
4. Robbery or extortion
5. Assault or battery, as defined in Penal Code 240 and 242, upon any school employee
In determining whether or not to recommend the expulsion of a student, the Superintendent, principal, or designee shall act as quickly as possible to ensure that the student does not lose instructional time. (Education Code 48915)
Mandatory Recommendation and Mandatory Expulsion
The principal, Superintendent or designee shall recommend that the Board expel any student found at school or at a school activity to be: (Education Code 48915(c))
1. Possessing, as verified by a district employee, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm, unless the student had obtained prior written permission to possess the firearm from a certificated school employee, with the principal or designee's concurrence
However, possession of an imitation firearm, as defined in Education Code 48900(m), shall not be regarded as an offense requiring a mandatory recommendation for expulsion and mandatory expulsion.
2. Brandishing a knife as defined in Education Code 48915(g) at another person
3. Unlawfully selling a controlled substance listed in Health and Safety Code 11053-11058
4. Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault as defined in Penal Code 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a, or 289, or committing a sexual battery as defined above in Penal Code 243.4
5. Possessing an explosive as defined in 18 USC 921
Upon finding that the student committed any of the above acts, the Board shall expel the student. (Education Code 48915)
Student's Right to Expulsion Hearing
Any student recommended for expulsion shall be entitled to a hearing to determine whether he/she should be expelled. The hearing shall be held within 30 school days after the principal or Superintendent or designee determines that the student has committed one of the acts listed under Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion has occurred. (Education Code 48918(a))
The student is entitled to at least one postponement of an expulsion hearing for a period of not more than 30 calendar days. The request for postponement shall be in writing. Any subsequent postponement may be granted at the Board's discretion. (Education Code 48918(a))
If the Board finds it impractical during the regular school year to comply with these time requirements for conducting an expulsion hearing, the Superintendent of designee may, for good cause, extend the time period by an additional five school days. Reasons for the extension shall be included as a part of the record when the expulsion hearing is held. (Education Code 48918(a))
If the Board finds it impractical to comply with the time requirements of the expulsion hearing due to a summer recess of Board meetings of more than two weeks, the days during the recess shall not be counted as school days. The days not counted during the recess may not exceed 20 school days, as defined in Education Code 48925. Unless the student requests in writing that the expulsion hearing be postponed, the hearing shall be held not later than 20 calendar days prior to the first day of the next school year. (Education Code 48918(a))
Once the hearing starts, all matters shall be pursued with reasonable diligence and concluded without unnecessary delay. (Education Code 48918(a))
Stipulated Expulsion
After a determination that a student has committed an offense listed above under "Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion" for which expulsion is permitted or mandatory, the Superintendent, principal, or designee shall offer the student and his/her parent/guardian the option to waive a hearing and stipulate to the expulsion. The offer shall be made only after the student or his/her parent/guardian has been given written notice of the expulsion hearing pursuant to Education Code 48918.
The stipulation agreement shall be in writing and shall be signed by the student and his/her parent/guardian. The stipulation agreement shall include notice of all the rights that the student is waiving, including the waiving of his/her right to have a full hearing, to appeal the expulsion to the County Board of Education, and to consult legal counsel.
A stipulated expulsion shall be effective upon approval by the Board.
Rights of Complaining Witness
An expulsion hearing involving allegations of sexual assault or sexual battery may be postponed for one school day in order to accommodate the special physical, mental or emotional needs of a student who is the complaining witness. (Education Code 48918.5)
Whenever the Superintendent or designee recommends an expulsion hearing that addresses allegations of sexual assault or sexual battery, he/she shall give the complaining witness a. copy of the district's suspension and expulsion policy and regulation and shall advise the witness of his/her right to: (Education Code 48918.5)
1. Receive five day's notice of his/her scheduled testimony at the hearing
2. Have up to two adult support persons of his/her choosing present at the hearing at the time he/she testifies
3. Have a closed hearing during the time he/she testifies
Whenever any allegation of sexual assault or sexual battery is made, the Superintendent or designee shall immediately advise complaining witnesses and accused students to refrain from personal or telephone contact with each other during the time when an expulsion process is pending. (Education Code 48918.5)
Written Notice of the Expulsion Hearing
Written notice of the expulsion hearing shall be forwarded to the student and the student's parent/guardian at least 10 calendar days before the date of the hearing. The notice shall include: (Education Code 48900.8, 48918(b))
1. The date and place of the hearing
2. A statement of the specific facts, charges and offense upon which the proposed expulsion is based
3. A copy of district disciplinary rules, which relate to the alleged violation
4. Notification of the student's or parent/guardian's obligation, pursuant to Education Code 48915.1, to provide information about the student's status in the district to any other district in which the student seeks enrollment. This obligation applies when a student is expelled for acts other than those described in Education Code 48915(a).
5. The opportunity for the student or the student's parent/guardian to appear in person or be represented by counsel or by a non-attorney advisor.
Legal counsel means an attorney or lawyer who is admitted to the practice of law in California and is an active member of the State Bar of California.
Non-attorney advisor means an individual who is not an attorney or lawyer, but who is familiar with the facts of the case, and has been selected by the student or student's parent/guardian to provide assistance at the hearing.
6. The right to inspect and obtain copies of all documents to be used at the hearing
7. The opportunity to confront and question all witnesses who testify at the hearing
8. The opportunity to question all evidence presented and to present oral and documentary evidence on the student's behalf, including witnesses
Additional Notice of Expulsion Hearing for Foster Youth
At least 10 days prior to a hearing to determine if a student who is a foster youth as defined under Education Code 48853.5 should be expelled for an offense not requiring a mandatory recommendation for expulsion, the Superintendent or designee shall notify the student's attorney and a representative of an appropriate county child welfare agency. If the hearing is pursuant to an offense requiring a mandatory expulsion recommendation, the Superintendent or designee may provide the same notification. The notice shall be provided by the most cost-effective method possible, including by email or a telephone call. (Education Code 48918.1)
Conduct of Expulsion Hearing
1. Closed Session: Notwithstanding the provisions of Government Code 54953 and Education Code 35145, the Board shall conduct a hearing to consider the expulsion of the student in a session closed to the public unless the student requests in writing at least five days prior to the hearing that the hearing be a public meeting. If such a request is made, the meeting shall be public unless another student's privacy rights would be violated. (Education Code 48918(c))
Whether the expulsion hearing is held in closed or public session, the Board may meet in closed session to deliberate and determine whether or not the student should be expelled. If the Board admits any other person to this closed session, the parent/guardian, the student, and the counsel of the student also shall be allowed to attend the closed session. (Education Code 48918(c))
If a hearing that involves a charge of sexual assault or sexual battery is to be conducted in public, a complaining witness shall have the right to have his/her testimony heard in closed session when testifying in public would threaten serious psychological harm to the witness and when there are no alternative procedures to avoid the threatened harm, including but not limited to videotaped deposition or contemporaneous examination in another place communicated to the hearing room by closed-circuit television. (Education Code 48918(c))
2. Record of Hearing: A record of the hearing shall be made and may be maintained by any means, including electronic recording, as long as a reasonably accurate and complete written transcription of the proceedings can be made. (Education Code 48918(g))
3. Subpoenas: Before commencing a student expulsion hearing, the Board may issue subpoenas, at the request of either the student or the Superintendent or designee, for the personal appearance at the hearing of any person who actually witnessed the action that gave rise to the recommendation for expulsion. After the hearing has commenced, the Board or the hearing officer or administrative panel may issue such subpoenas at the request of the student or the County Superintendent of Schools or designee. All subpoenas shall be issued in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure 1985-1985.2 and enforced in accordance with Government Code 11455.20. (Education Code 48918(i))
Any objection raised by the student or the Superintendent or designee to the issuance of subpoenas may be considered by the Board in closed session, or in open session if so requested by the student, before the meeting. The Board's decision in response to such an objection shall be final and binding. (Education Code 48918(i))
If the Board determines, or if the hearing officer or administrative panel finds and submits to the Board, that a witness would be subject to unreasonable risk of harm by testifying at the hearing, a subpoena shall not be issued to compel the personal attendance of that witness at the hearing. However, that witness may be compelled to testify by means of a sworn declaration as described in item #4 below. (Education Code 48918(i))
4. Presentation of Evidence: Technical rules of evidence shall not apply to the expulsion hearing, but relevant evidence may be admitted and used as proof only if it is the kind of evidence on which reasonable persons can rely in the conduct of serious affairs. The decision of the Board to expel shall be supported by substantial evidence that the student committed any of the acts pursuant to Education Code 48900 and listed in Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion above.
Findings of fact shall be based solely on the evidence at the hearing. Although no finding shall be based solely on hearsay, sworn declarations may be admitted as testimony from witnesses whose disclosure of their identity or testimony at the hearing may subject them to an unreasonable risk of physical or psychological harm. (Education Code 48918(f))
In cases where a search of a student's person or property has occurred, evidence describing the reasonableness of the search shall be included in the hearing record.
5. Testimony by Complaining Witnesses: The following procedures shall be observed when hearings involve allegations of sexual assault or sexual battery by a student: (Education Code 48918)
a. Any complaining witness shall be given five day's notice before being called to testify.
b. Any complaining witness shall be entitled to have up to two adult support persons, including but not limited to a parent/guardian or legal counsel, present during his/her testimony.
c. Before a complaining witness testifies, support persons shall be admonished that the hearing is confidential.
d. The person presiding over the hearing may remove a support person whom he/she finds is disrupting the hearing.
e. f one or both support persons are also witnesses, the hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Penal Code 868.5.
f. Evidence of specific instances of prior sexual conduct of a complaining witness shall be presumed inadmissible and shall not be heard unless the person conducting the hearing determines that extraordinary circumstances require the evidence to be heard. Before such a determination is made, the complaining witness shall be given notice and an opportunity to oppose the introduction of this evidence. In the hearing on the admissibility of this evidence, the complaining witness shall be entitled to be represented by a parent/guardian, legal counsel or other support person. Reputation or opinion evidence regarding the sexual behavior of a complaining witness shall not be admissible for any purpose.
g. In order to facilitate a free and accurate statement of the experiences of the complaining witness and to prevent discouragement of complaints, the district shall provide a nonthreatening environment.
(I) The district shall provide a room separate from the hearing room for the use of the complaining witness before and during breaks in testimony.
(2) At the discretion of the person conducting the hearing, the complaining witness shall be allowed reasonable periods of relief from examination and cross-examination during which he/she may leave the hearing room.
(3) The person conducting the hearing may:
(a) Arrange the seating within the hearing room so as to facilitate a less intimidating environment for the complaining witness
(b) Limit the time for taking the testimony of a complaining witness to the hours he/she is normally in school, if there is no good cause to take the testimony during other hours
(c) Permit one of the support persons to accompany the complaining witness to the witness stand
The Board's decision as to whether to expel a student shall be made within 40 school days after the student is removed from his/her school of attendance, unless the student requests in writing that the decision be postponed. (Education Code 48918(a))
Alternative Expulsion Hearing: Hearing Officer or Administrative Panel
Instead of conducting an expulsion hearing itself, the Board may contract with the county hearing officer or with the Office of Administrative Hearings of the State of California for a hearing officer. Alternatively, the Board may appoint an impartial Administrative Panel composed of three or more certificated personnel, none of whom shall be members of the Board or on the staff of the school in which the student is enrolled. (Education Code 48918(d))
A hearing conducted by the hearing officer or administrative panel shall conform to the same procedures applicable to a hearing conducted by the Board as specified above in Conduct of Expulsion Hearing, including the requirement to issue a decision within 40 days of the student's removal from school, unless the student requests that the decision be postponed. (Education Code 48918(a) and (d))
The hearing officer or administrative panel shall, within three school days after the hearing, determine whether to recommend expulsion of the student to the Board. If the hearing officer or administrative panel decides not to recommend expulsion, the expulsion proceedings shall be terminated and the pupil immediately shall be reinstated and permitted to return to the classroom instructional program from which the expulsion referral was made, unless the parent, guardian, or responsible adult of the pupil requests another school placement in writing. Before the placement decision is made by the parent, guardian, or responsible adult, the superintendent of schools or the superintendent's designee shall consult with school district personnel, including the pupil's teachers, and the parent, guardian, or responsible adult regarding any other school placement options for the pupil in addition to the option to return to his or her classroom instructional program from which the expulsion referral was made. If the hearing officer or administrative panel finds that the pupil committed any of the acts specified in subdivision (c) of Section 48915, but does not recommend expulsion, the pupil shall be immediately reinstated and may be referred to his or her prior school or another comprehensive school, or, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 48432.5, a continuation school of the school district. The decision to not recommend expulsion shall be final. (Education Code 48918(e))
If expulsion is recommended, findings of fact in support of the recommendation shall be prepared and submitted to the Board. All findings of fact and recommendations shall be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The Board may accept the recommendation based either upon a review of the findings of fact and recommendations submitted or upon the results of any supplementary hearing the Board may order. (Education Code 48918(t))
In accordance with Board policy, the hearing officer or administrative panel may recommend that the Board suspend the enforcement of the expulsion for a period of one year.
Final Action by the Board
Whether the expulsion hearing is conducted in closed or public session by the Board, a hearing officer, or an administrative panel, or is waived through the signing of a stipulated expulsion agreement, the final action to expel shall be taken by the Board at a public meeting. (Education Code 489180))
(cf 9321.1 - Closed Session Actions and Reports)
If the Board conducts the hearing and reaches a decision not to expel, this decision shall be final and the student shall be reinstated immediately.
Upon ordering an expulsion, the Board shall set a date when the student shall be reviewed for readmission to a school within the district. For a student expelled for any act listed under Mandatory Recommendation and Mandatory Expulsion above, this date shall be one year from the date the expulsion occurred, except that the Board may set an earlier date on a case-by-case basis. For a student expelled for other acts, this date shall be no later than the last day of the semester following the semester in which the expulsion occurred. If an expulsion is ordered during summer session or the intersession period of a year-round program, the Board shall set a date when the student shall be reviewed for readmission not later than the last day of the semester following the summer session or intersession period in which the expulsion occurred. (Education Code 48916)
At the time of the expulsion order, the Board shall recommend a plan for the student's rehabilitation, which may include: (Education Code 48916)
1. Periodic review as well as assessment of the student at the time of review for readmission
2. Recommendations for improved academic performance, tutoring, special education assessments, job training, counseling, employment, community service or other rehabilitative programs
With parent/guardian consent, students who have been expelled for reasons relating to controlled substances or alcohol may be required to enroll in a county-sponsored drug rehabilitation program before returning to school. (Education Code 48916.5)
Written Notice to Expel
The Superintendent or designee shall send written notice of the decision to expel to the student or parent/guardian. This notice shall include the following:
1. The specific offense committed by the student for any of the causes for suspension or expulsion listed above under Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion (Education Code 48900.8)
2. The fact that a description of readmission procedures will be made available to the student and his/her parent/guardian (Education Code 48916)
3. Notice of the right to appeal the expulsion to the County Board of Education (Education Code 48918)
4. Notice of the alternative educational placement to be provided to the student during the time of expulsion (Education Code 48918)
5. Notice of the student's or parent/guardian's obligation to inform any new district in which the student seeks to enroll of the student's status with the expelling district, pursuant to Education Code 48915.1 (Education Code 48918)
Decision Not to Enforce Expulsion Order
In accordance with Board policy, when deciding whether to suspend the enforcement of an expulsion order, the Board shall take into account the following criteria:
1. The student's pattern of behavior
2. The seriousness of the misconduct
3. The student's attitude toward the misconduct and his/her willingness to follow a rehabilitation program
The suspension of the enforcement of an expulsion shall be governed by the following: (Education Code 48917)
1. The Board may, as a condition of the suspension of enforcement, assign the student to a school, class or program appropriate for the student's rehabilitation. This rehabilitation program may provide for the involvement of the student's parent/guardian in the student's education. However, a parent/guardian's refusal to participate in the rehabilitation program shall not be considered in the Board's determination as to whether the student has satisfactorily completed the rehabilitation program.
2. During the period when enforcement of the expulsion order is suspended, the student shall be on probationary status. (Education Code 48917)
3. The suspension of the enforcement of an expulsion order may be revoked by the Board if the student commits any of the acts listed under Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion above or violates any of the district's rules and regulations governing student conduct. (Education Code 48917)
4. When the suspension of the enforcement of an expulsion order is revoked, a student may be expelled under the terms of the original expulsion order.
5. Upon satisfactory completion of the rehabilitation assignment, the Board shall reinstate the student in a district school. Upon reinstatement, the Board may order the expunging of any or all records of the expulsion proceedings.
6. The Superintendent or designee shall send written notice of any decision to suspend the enforcement of an expulsion order during a period of probation to the student or parent/guardian. The notice shall inform the parent/guardian of the right to appeal the expulsion to the County Board of Education, the alternative educational placement to be provided to the student during the time of expulsion, and the student's or parent/guardian's obligation to inform any new district in which the student seeks to enroll of the his/her status with the expelling district, pursuant to Education Code 48915. (Education Code 489180)).
7. Suspension of the enforcement of an expulsion order shall not affect the time period and requirements for the filing of an appeal of the expulsion order with the County Board of Education. (Education Code 48917)
Right to Appeal
The student or parent/guardian is entitled to file an appeal of the Board's decision with the County Board of Education. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the Board's decision to expel, even if the expulsion order is suspended and the student is placed on probation (Education Code 48919)
The student shall submit a written request for a copy of the written transcripts and supporting documents from the district simultaneously with the filing of the notice of appeal with the County Board of Education. The district shall provide the student with these documents within 10 school days following the student's written request. (Education Code 48919)
Notification to Law Enforcement Authorities
Prior to the suspension or expulsion of any student, the principal or designee shall notify appropriate city or county law enforcement authorities of any student acts of assault which may have violated Penal Code 245. (Education Code 48902)
The principal or designee also shall notify appropriate city or county law enforcement authorities of any student acts, which may involve the possession or sale of narcotics or of a controlled substance. In addition, law enforcement authorities shall be notified regarding any acts by students regarding the possession, sale, or furnishing of firearms, explosives, or other dangerous weapons in violation of Education Code 48915(c)(l) or (5) or Penal Code 626.9 and 626.10. (Education Code 48902)
Within one school day after a student's suspension or expulsion, the principal or designee shall notify appropriate city or county law enforcement authorities, by telephone or other appropriate means, of any student acts which may violate Education Code 48900(c) or (d), relating to the possession, use, offering, or sale of controlled substances, alcohol, or intoxicants of any kind. (Education Code 48902)
Post-Expulsion Placements
The Board shall refer expelled students to a program of study that is: (Education Code 48915, 48915.01)
1. Appropriately prepared to accommodate students who exhibit discipline problems
2. Not provided at a comprehensive middle, junior or senior high school or at any elementary school, unless the program is offered at a community day school established at such a site
3. Not housed at the school site attended by the student at the time of suspension
(cf 6185 - Community Day School)
When the placement described above is not available and when the County Superintendent of Schools so certifies, students expelled for acts described in items #6 through # 13 and #21 through #23 under Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion above may be instead referred to a program of study that is provided at another comprehensive middle, junior, or senior high school, or at an elementary school. (Education Code 48915)
The program for a student expelled from any of grades K-6 shall not be combined or merged with programs offered to students in any of grades 7-12. (Education Code 48916.1)
Readmission After Expulsion
Readmission procedures shall be as follows:
1. On the date set by the Board when it ordered the expulsion, the district shall consider readmission of the student. (Education Code 48916)
2. The Superintendent or designee shall hold a conference with the parent/guardian and the student. At the conference the student's rehabilitation plan shall be reviewed and the Superintendent or designee shall verify that the provisions of this plan have been met. School regulations shall be reviewed and the student and parent/guardian shall be asked to indicate in writing their willingness to comply with these regulations.
3. The Superintendent or designee shall transmit to the Board his/her recommendation regarding readmission. The Board shall consider this recommendation in closed session if information would be disclosed in violation of Education Code 49073-49079. If a written request for open session is received from the parent/guardian or adult student, it shall be honored.
4. If the readmission is granted, the Superintendent or designee shall notify the student and parent/guardian, by registered mail, of the Board's decision regarding readmission.
5. The Board may deny readmission only if it finds that the student has not satisfied the conditions of the rehabilitation plan or that the student continues to pose a danger to campus safety or to other district students or employees. (Education Code 48916)
6. If the Board denies the readmission of a student, the Board shall determine either to continue the student's placement in the alternative educational program initially selected or to place the student in another program that serves expelled students, including placement in a county community school. (Education Code 48916)
7. The Board shall provide written notice to the expelled student and parent/guardian describing the reasons for denying readmittance into the regular program. This notice shall indicate the Board's determination of the educational program which the Board has chosen. The student shall enroll in that program unless the parent/guardian chooses to enroll the student in another school district. (Education Code 48916)
No student shall be denied readmission into the district based solely on the student's arrest, adjudication by a juvenile court, formal or informal supervision by a probation officer, detention in a juvenile facility, enrollment in a juvenile court school, or other such contact with the juvenile justice system. (Education Code 48645.5)
Maintenance of Records
The district shall maintain a record of each suspension and expulsion, including its specific cause(s).
(Education Code 48900.8)
Expulsion records of any student shall be maintained in the student's mandatory interim record and sent to any school in which the student subsequently enrolls, upon written request by that school. (Education Code 489184(k))
The Superintendent or designee shall, within five working days, honor any other district's request for information about an expulsion from this district. (Education Code 48915.1)
(cf 5125 - Student Records)