Keep Calm
Many students are expelled because they get angry while being disciplined for small things.

What happens:

• Your teacher should take you to the principal’s office.

• The principal will explain why you may be suspended.

• Only your principal or assistant principal may remove you from school. Teachers can discipline students but cannot remove them from school.

• The principal should have a meeting with you and your parents/guardians in 3-5 days. 

• Principals can give short term suspensions (10 days or less).

Meeting with the principal

• Prepare for this meeting.
• Attend the meeting with your parent/guardian.
• Go to this meeting! It is your best chance to keep you suspension less than 10 days.
• Do not have a bad attitude at this meeting! Principals may remove you from school for a long time because of attitude.
• The principal may:
  • Let you return to school.
  • Ask the superintendent to suspend you for a longer time.
  • Ask the superintendent to expel you from school.

Can my statements be used in a criminal case?
Any statement a student makes regarding an incident may only be used for that suspension proceeding. Your statements can not be used in any criminal or delinquency proceedings unless you have  been informed of your right to remain silent and your right to have a parent present.  This protection applies to both regular and special education students.

What do I wear?
Dress professionally as if you were going to an office job.  Look  out of character for the offense with which you are being charged. Don't wear ripped up clothing or shirts with offensive language or images.  Look responsible.  How you look will make a difference.

Superintendent’s Investigation
If the principal feels you should be expelled or suspended for more than 10 days (extended suspension) s/he must write a report to the Superintendent’s office. You should get a copy of this report. The Superintendent’s office will investigate your case. They look at your school files and talk with school officials about your case.  Details.

The Superintendent’s Meeting
The Superintendent will have a meeting with you and your parents/guardians within 10 school days of your first day of suspension.  Before the meeting, it is important to prepare.

Appeal to the School Board
If you disagree with the superintendent, you may go to the school board. You must write a letter within ten days of the superintendent’s decision. The letter can be short and should say you appeal the decision of the superintendent. The school board should let you decide between a private and public hearing.  Details on appeals.

Source: Rob Bader with editing by MLAN

Last date of legal review  01/15/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)