G.  Suspension of Ten (10) or More Days

When a student’s presence endangers (unless an Individual Education Plan is noted in the student’s file) or threatens disruption of the academic process thus justifying immediate removal from school, notice of a hearing shall follow as soon as possible.

The student shall be afforded:

1)       A clear, written statement of the reason for suspension or expulsion;

2)       Notice of the right to prompt public or private hearing, at the student’s election, and the right to be represented by counsel at such a hearing;

3)       If a hearing is requested, the student shall be given a prompt notice setting the time and place of such hearing, said time and place to be reasonably set so as to allow sufficient time for preparation, without undue delay.

In the event, a student has not attained the age majority (18 years), the parent or guardian shall be afforded the procedures stated in section 1, 2, and 3 above.  (Such notice shall be written in the parent’s spoken language, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so).

The student shall be afforded a hearing at which the student shall have a right to:

Representation and participation by counsel; and

Cross-examine witnesses and to present witnesses in his or her behalf.

There shall be a complete and accurate (stenographic or electronic) record of the hearing including all exhibits.  The record shall be preserved for transmission to the Commissioner of Education as soon as possible in the event of an appeal.

The student shall be furnished a copy of the record without cost.

A written decision shall be rendered, within a reasonable time, based exclusively on the record detailing the reasons and the factual basis therefore.

The student shall promptly be provided with a copy of the decision.

A copy of the decision, together with the record, shall be promptly forwarded to the Commissioner of Education if there is an appeal.

The administration will afford students who are involved with offenses that may lead to suspension an opportunity to write his/her version of an incident, following the prescribed informal hearing.  This will be included in the record, and be part of any appeal to the principal, superintendent or the School Committee.