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Policy JKD
Suspension Of Students
The Board of Education delegates to the principals, to the assistant principals, to the Superintendent of Schools, and to the Assistant Superintendent authority to suspend disobedient and disorderly students in grade 6 and above for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days. Suspensions longer than 10 days may be imposed by the Board of Education.
Students in grade 5 or below may not be given 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 suspension of a student in grade five or below cannot be longer than three school days.
Prior to the suspensions, except as hereinafter provided:
The student shall be given oral or written notices of the charge(s) against them;
The student shall be given an explanation of the evidence forming the basis for the charge(s); and
The student shall be given an opportunity to present their 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 their version of the incident shall be arranged as soon as practicable after removal of the student from the 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.
Students are not allowed on school property during any out-of-school suspension except with the prior authorization of the principal or Superintendent. Students serving out-of-school or in-school suspension will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities.
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 readmittance 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.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA§ 1001.9 (15-A)(D)
Cross Reference:
JIC – Student Code of Conduct
JICIA Weapons, Violence and School Safety
JICK - Bullying
JK Student Discipline
JKE Expulsion of Students
JKF Disciplinary Removal of Students with Disabilities
Adopted: November 13, 1978
Revised: November 9, 1999
Revised: May 2001
Adopted: July 8, 2002
Revised: October 15, 2024
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