Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority

A Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) will conduct hearings for students who have been suspended expelled/remanded for more than ten (10) school days.  The director of schools will appoint a chairman of the DHA from the members appointed by the Board.  The chairman shall perform the following duties:

1. Identify the members of the DHA assigned to hear each individual case;
2. Prepare and disseminate the minutes of each meeting;
3. Set the time, place and date for each hearing;
4. Notify appropriate persons of each meeting within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving notification of the suspension/expulsion; and
5. Sign and maintain a copy of minutes of meeting.

Each hearing shall be conducted by at least three (3) members of the DHA.  The hearing must be held, a decision must be rendered, and notification of the decision must be provided to the parents and/or student and the principal no later than ten (10) days after the beginning of the suspension/expulsion.  Notification of the decision shall include a statement of the right of either party within five (5) days after receiving the decision to request a review by the Board.  The DHA may take the following disciplinary actions:

1. Affirm the decision of the school principal;
2. Order removal of the suspension/expulsion unconditionally;
3. Order removal of the suspension/expulsion upon such terms and conditions as it deems reasonable;
4. Remand the student to alternative placement; or
5. Suspend/Expel/Remand the student for a specified period of time.