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Maine RSU 21

Maine Regional School Unit 21

Arundel · Kennebunk · Kennebunkport

JKD - SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS

  • Section J: Students

JKD - SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS

  1. General.
    The Board delegates to the principals the authority to suspend disobedient and disorderly students for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days.  Suspensions may be in-school or out-of-school at the discretion of the principal. Suspensions longer than 10 days may only be imposed by the Board.

    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 shall not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities sponsored by the district, as provided in policy JICI.
     
  2. Suspensions of Elementary Grade Students.
    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.
     
  3. Student Notification and Investigation.
    Prior to the suspension, except as hereinafter provided:

The student shall be given oral or written notice of the charge(s) against him/her/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 his/her/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 his/her/their version of the incident shall be arranged as soon as practicable after removal of the student from school.

  1. Parental Notification.
    The student’s parents/guardians shall be notified of any suspension as soon as practicable by email electronically or telephone (if possible) and by written notice sent via certified mail.  A copy of the notice shall also be sent to the Superintendent.
     
  2. Readmittance.
    The parents/guardians and the student may be required to schedule a conference with the building administrator/designee within the suspension period and prior to readmittance to school to regular classes.

    Students shall be responsible for any schoolwork missed during their suspension.  After readmittance, they shall be permitted to take missed tests, quizzes or any other form of evaluation affecting their grades.

Legal Reference: 
20-A MRSA §§ 1001(9), (15-A)(D)  

Cross References:
JIC – Student Code of Conduct
JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety
JICK - Bullying
JK - Student Discipline
JKE - Expulsion of Students
JICI - Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities Code of Conduct for Middle and High School Students
JKF - Disciplinary Removal of Students With Disabilities
JKF - R - Disciplinary Removal Of Students With Disabilities
Administrative Procedure

Reviewed: 09/08/97
Reviewed: 04/26/10
Revised: 03/04/13
Revised: 1/27/25


 

  • Section J