Security and Crisis Management - Disciplinary Hearings

Disciplinary Hearings

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

In the event a student is recommended for a long-term suspension (11 – 59 school days) or expulsion (60 – 180 school days), students are afforded certain “Due Process” rights which are outlined in Board of Education policies and the Student Code of Conduct. Warren Consolidated Schools conducts hearings with the Superintendent’s Review Committee while school is in session.

TYPES OF HEARINGS

• Expulsion Review Committee Hearing
• Reinstatement Review Committee Hearing

RESTORATIVE PRACTICE

Michigan Legislature, Sec. 1310c. (1) states; A school board or its designee shall consider using restorative practices as an alternative or in addition to suspension or expulsion under this act. ... (b) "Restorative practices" means practices that emphasize repairing the harm to the victim and the school community caused by a pupil's misconduct. Warren Consolidated Schools believes in restorative practices. Instead of strictly punitive measures of discipline, Warren Consolidated Schools is committed to considering restorative practices to proactively prevent problems like bullying and violence. Research shows that restorative approaches can transform student behavior and build healthy school communities. Restorative practices promotes inclusiveness, relationship-building and problem-solving, through restorative methods such as, circles for teaching, conflict resolution, and conferences that bring victims, offenders and their supporters together to address wrongdoing. Instead of punishment, students are encouraged to reflect on and take responsibility for their actions and come up with plans to repair harm.

SEVEN FACTORS FOR RE-INSTATEMENT RECONSIDERATION

1. The extent to which reinstatement of the individual would create a risk of harm to pupils or school personnel.
2. The extent to which reinstatement of the individual would create a risk of school district liability or individual liability for the school board or school district personnel.
3. The age and maturity of the individual.
4. The individual’s school record before the incident that caused the expulsion.
5. The individual’s attitude concerning the incident that caused the expulsion.
6. The individual’s behavior since the expulsion and the prospects for remediation of the individual.
7. If the petition was filed by a parent or legal guardian, the degree of cooperation and support that has been provided by the parent or legal guardian and that can be expected if the individual is reinstated, including, but not limited to, receptiveness toward possible conditions placed on the reinstatement.