Appeal Process
In school disciplinary actions and bus suspensions of fewer than 3 days may not be appealed.
Out of school suspensions of up to ten (10) days, when issued by an assistant principal, may be appealed to the principal, whose decision will be final. Out-of-school suspension of up to ten (10) days issued by the principal may be appealed to the Director of Student Support Services, whose decision will be final. The request to appeal a decision must be submitted in writing to the appropriate person within two days of the issuance of the suspension. The appeal decision will be made within five days of receipt of the appeal request.
Out of school/long-term suspensions of over ten (10) days and recommendations for expulsion will be referred to the Disciplinary Review Officer. The Disciplinary Review Officer will hear the case and will notify the student’s family of a recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion. The parent/guardian may appeal in writing to the Superintendent within (5) days and must meet with the Superintendent before the appeal can be heard by the School Board. The School Board shall decide the appeal within 30 days of hearing the appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Discipline Review Proceedings
What is a disciplinary hearing?
Disciplinary hearings are meetings held with the Discipline Review Officer or the Discipline Review Committee (DRC) to determine whether the student’s violation of school policy or the law warrants consequences or supports beyond the original decision of the school.
When will disciplinary hearings be held?
If the violation warrants review by the Discipline Review Officer, the hearing must be scheduled and held before the student’s suspension expires and before the student can return to school.
Where will the hearing be held?
The meeting usually takes place at the School Board Office.
Who attends the closed hearing?
Student, parents or legal guardian, principal, assistant principal, and others as necessary at the discretion Disciplinary Review Officer. Because of the confidential nature of these hearings, siblings and non-custodial relatives will not be permitted to attend.
How does the hearing proceed?
- The Disciplinary Review Officer will ask the administrator to explain why the student was referred to the hearing panel.
- The Disciplinary Review Officer will ask the student to explain his/her side of the incident.
- The Disciplinary Review Officer and others may ask other questions (including the student’s record of behavior, attendance, academics, and other background information).
- The Disciplinary Review Officer will ask the parent if he/she would like to make a statement.
- The student, parent/legal guardian, and school administrator, involved in the incident, will leave the room while the
Discipline Review Officer determines disciplinary actions based on the facts represented. The Disciplinary Review Officer may consult other school officials to reach a decision.
- The student, parent(s), and school administrator return to the room to hear the decision.
- The Discipline Review Officer may recommend/decide various forms of disciplinary action up to and including long-term suspension or expulsion.
- The Discipline Review Officer’s recommendation/decision for long-term suspension or expulsion will be reviewed by the Superintendent.
What if I disagree with the recommendation/decision by the Discipline Review Officer?
The parent/guardian may appeal in writing to the Superintendent within (5) days and must meet with the Superintendent before the appeal can be heard by the School Board. The School Board shall decide the appeal within 30 days of hearing the appeal.
How does my child continue his/her education during the long-term suspension or expulsion?
Other school divisions may honor disciplinary actions of the Henry County Public School Board. Students may continue their education via correspondence courses, private schools or tutorial services at their own expense.
How does my child return to school from a long-term suspension/expulsion?
The parents will receive a letter indicating the length of a long-term suspension and the procedures to be followed to petition the School Board for readmission from an expulsion. Some expulsions are permanent with no readmission allowed.