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Edmonds School District

Student Discipline

The intent of this page is to give parents and students a brief summary of their rights with respect to Suspensions and Expulsions. The complete Procedures and Standards Governing Student Rights and Responsibilities are contained in Edmonds School District Administrative Regulation 8220-R1.

  • What is a Suspension?
    • A suspension is the denial of attendance at any single subject or class, or at any full schedule of subjects or classes, or at any other type of instructional activity conducted by or on behalf of the school district, for a stated period of time. A suspension also may include a denial of admission to or entry upon real and personal property that is owned, leased, rented, or controlled by the school district.
      • Short-term suspensions are for any part of school day up to, but not exceeding, 10 consecutive school days.
      • Long-term suspensions are for 11 or more consecutive school days.
  • What is an Expulsion?
    • An Expulsion is the denial of attendance at any single subject or class, or at any full schedule of subjects or classes, or at any other type of instructional activity or school sponsored event conducted by or on behalf of the school district, and any combination of the foregoing for an indefinite period of time. Any expulsion may also include a denial of admission to or entry upon real and personal property that is owned, leased, rented, or controlled by the district.
  • What is an Emergency Expulsion?
    • An Emergency Expulsion is the immediate removal of a student from school when there is sufficient reason to believe that the student's presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to the student, other students, or school personnel or an immediate and continuing threat of substantial disruption of the educational process. An emergency expulsion shall continue until modified by the school administrator. An emergency expulsion shall include denial of attendance within the school district and at any school-sponsored activity until modified by the administrator.
  • What is a Hearing?
    • A hearing is a formal meeting you can request if:
      • You feel that your student did not violate the rule(s), OR
      • You feel that the punishment was inappropriate or was not imposed in accordance with state law or district policy.
  • How do I request a Hearing?
    • Short-term Suspensions - Within three school business days after receipt of the discipline notice by the parent/guardian, a conference should be scheduled with the school principal to attempt to solve the problem. The student, parent or guardian may question the school staff during the conference, and are subject to questioning by the school staff.
    • Long-term Suspensions - You must submit a written request for a hearing to the Instructional Support Programs office within three school business days after receipt of a notice of a Long-term Suspension or Expulsion, or within ten school business days for an Emergency Expulsion. Except in cases of Emergency Expulsion, your student may remain in school pending the outcome of this hearing. The Hearing Officer, school administrators, parent/s, student, and witnesses attend the hearing. Witnesses must remain outside the Hearing room until they are called. You may be represented by legal counsel if you wish. All parties have the right to review physical evidence prior to the Hearing. The Hearing will be tape-recorded. All parties will have the opportunity to present their side of the alleged misconduct and may ask questions. After the hearing the Hearing Officer will prepare a written decision and it will be sent to you via certified mail.
  • What is Readmission?
    • Twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays, a group of administrators process readmission requests from students who are currently under suspension or expulsion. This group will review the information submitted by the parent(s) and student, interview them and review the student's disciplinary record, and decide whether to readmit the student and if readmitted, to which school or program. You may ask for readmission at any time.
  • How do I request Readmission?
    • Both the parent and the student must submit a letter to the Student Support & Outreach Programs Coordinator. These letters must explain changes in the circumstances, which would make it more likely that the student will be successful in school.
    • The student/parent(s) letter should address why the suspension/expulsion was received, and it should explain what, if anything, the student has been doing since their long term suspension or expulsion (counseling, attending alternative programs, working, community service, substance abuse counseling, anger management counseling, etc.).
    • The letters requesting the hearing and the other information that you want the committee to consider must be provided at least two (2) weeks in advance of the Readmission Committee meeting.
  • Who attends the Readmission meeting?
    • The School Administrator and/or their representatives.
    • Selected High School and Middle School Administrators (Committee members).
    • Parent(s), students and a limited number of pre-approved witnesses.
    • Student Support & Outreach Programs Coordinator.
  • What happens during the Readmission meeting?
    • The committee reviews the letters and other information that you and your student have submitted, as well as the student's record. This record may include their disciplinary history, academic history and attendance history.
    • The committee will interview the parent(s), Student and any applicable witness.
    • A plan of action may be developed.
  • What happens after the Readmission meeting?
    • You will be notified of the results by regular mail within a few days after the decision.

Note: Washington state law requires the compulsory school attendance of any student between the ages of 8 and 18, with certain exceptions. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to find alternative placement for their student should they be suspended or expelled.