Memo

To: Vice Principals

From: Ericka McKenney, Principal
Date: April 16, 2012
Re: Short-Term and Long-Term Suspensions
______________________________________________________________________________
Here is a reminder on how to handle and distinguish between short-term and long-term suspensions.
Short-Term Suspension (In-School and Out-Of-School) - This is a suspension of 10 or less consecutive
school days. Under short-term suspension, you must always provide MINIMAL DUE PROCESS.
Principals and vice principals can make short-terms suspensions.
Required Actions for Short-Term Suspensions:

The student MUST be given written or oral notice (referral form) of the violation and intended
punishment. The school must notify parent(s) of the suspension.
The student MUST have the opportunity to refute the charges before an objective decision from
the principal or vice principal is made. The student must be given a chance to explain actions or
his/her side of the story.
Explanation of ANY evidence.

Students Can Be Denied:

The student does not have the right to have an attorney. The principal or vice principal can talk to
parents, but do not have to talk to an attorney.
The student does not have the right to call witnesses.
The student may not confront any cross-examine witnesses.

Long-Term Suspension (Out-Of -School or Alternative Education) - This suspension is for more than 10
days by principal recommendation and DUE PROCESS is REQUIRED. The Superintendent is the only
person with the authority to warrant a long-term suspension.

The principal will submit a written report to the Superintendent who will investigate the case.
The student must be provided a written notice of charges, intention to expel, place, time,
circumstances of hearing, and sufficient time for the defense to prepare a case.
The student will have the right to a full and fair hearing with an impartial adjudicator from the
Board of Education.
The student and parent(s)/guardian(s) will have the right to an attorney or adult representation.
They will have the right to present witnesses or evidence.
They will have the right to cross-examine opposing witnesses.
Written record of the decision based on the evidence presented at the hearing.
The student or the students parent(s)/guardian(s) have the right to appeal the decision.

If you have any questions about the proper procedures of short and long-term suspensions, please
email or stop by my office.