Expulsion Hearing

RLAS 116 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Student Services

Procedure:

Expulsion Hearing

Effective Date:

7/1/2025

Revised Date:

N/A

Type of Process:

☐ Internal Procedure

☒ District Procedure

Authority

Executive Director of Student Services

Purpose

To provide structured procedures leading up to an expulsion hearing

Description

These procedures ensure consistency, legal compliance, and fairness in the preparation and execution of student expulsion hearings.

Steps

Expulsion Hearing SOP

Who’s Responsible

Incident Review and Preliminary Determination

Review incident reports, discipline referrals, witness statements, and video footage (if applicable).
Confer with Student Services, Dean, and/or Safety Personnel to confirm the severity and facts.
Determine whether the behavior qualifies under the school board policy and Illinois School Code (or your state law) for potential expulsion.
Contact district legal counsel, if necessary, for guidance on the threshold for expulsion (*Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services).

AP of Student Services

Dean of Students

Initial Parent/Guardian Notification

Call parent/guardian to inform them of the incident and potential next steps, including suspension and recommendation for expulsion.
Send written notice of out-of-school suspension with clear indication that expulsion is being considered.
Include details:
- Nature of the incident
- Duration of suspension
- Parent's right to appeal
- Contact person for further information

AP of Student Services

Dean of Students

Documentation Collection

Compile a complete incident file, including:
Discipline referral
Staff witness statements
Student witness statements
Incident video (if available)
Police report (if applicable)
Student’s attendance and academic records
Prior discipline history
Student support plans (IEP, 504, MTSS)
- Ensure Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) is completed
Ensure documents are factual, clear, and appropriately redacted (where needed).

AP of Student Services

Dean of Students

Conduct Threat Assessment

Activate Threat Assessment Team
- Administrator (Principal, AP, or Dean)
- School Psychologist or Social Worker
- SRO
- Counselor
- Special Education Representative (if applicable)
- Nurse (if health/medical concerns present)
Conduct Initial Screening
- Use a standardized Threat Assessment Screening Tool district-specific tool (CSTAG).
- Determine type of threat:
  - Transient (e.g., joke, anger outburst, no intent to harm)
  - Substantive (e.g., planning, preparation, specific target or means)
- If Transient, implement appropriate intervention (e.g., counseling, restorative conference) and document the case.
- If Substantive, proceed with full assessment.
Parent/Guardian Notification
- Notify the student’s parent/guardian promptly.
- Explain:
  - Nature of concern
  - Assessment process
  - Student rights and expectations
  - Document contact and response.
Full Threat Assessment Process
- Interview the student of concern
- Interview witnesses (peers, staff)
- Review:
  - Academic and discipline records
  - Social media activity
  - School-issued devices (if permitted)
  - Counseling or IEP/504 history
  - Look for warning signs such as:
  - Violent ideation or fixation
  - Access to weapons
  - Social withdrawal
  - History of aggression or trauma
  - Suicidal ideation or self-harm
Determine Level of Risk
- Categorize the threat:
  - Low Risk: Minimal concern; unlikely to pose serious threat
  - Moderate Risk: May pose threat; requires intervention and monitoring
  - High Risk: Likely to pose serious threat; immediate action needed
  - Imminent Risk: Direct and immediate danger
Develop Intervention & Safety Plan
- Create an individualized Safety/Support Plan, which may include:
  - Counseling or mental health referral
  - Increased supervision or check-ins
  - No-contact orders or schedule changes
  - Behavioral intervention or restorative plan
  - Suicide risk assessment (if applicable)
  - Law enforcement involvement
  - Removal from campus (suspension, hospitalization, etc.)
  - If the student has an IEP or 504 Plan, involve the case manager and hold a manifestation meeting if disciplinary action is considered.

Threat Assessment Team

Recommendation for Expulsion

Draft and submit a written recommendation for expulsion to the District Office.
Include:
- Student name and ID
- Description of the incident
- Grounds for recommendation
- Duration of expulsion proposed
- Any proposed services or alternative placement during expulsion

Executive Director of Student Services

District Review and Scheduling

Review submitted recommendation and supporting documents.
Schedule an expulsion hearing with the Board or designated Hearing Officer.
Provide written notice to the parent/guardian.
Ensure compliance with state education code on hearing timelines and rights.
If the case is safety, weapons, or physical violence related, have an officer present at the hearing.

Executive Director of Student Services

Formal Hearing Notification

Send written notice to parent/guardian, which must include:

Date, time, and location of hearing
Right to:
- Be represented by counsel
- Present evidence and call witnesses
- Review and receive copies of all documents before the hearing
- Request accommodations for language or disability access

Executive Director of Student Services

Preparation for Hearing

Prepare school presentation for hearing:

Chronological narrative of events
Presentation of evidence (documents, video)
Outline of student’s discipline history and impact on school climate
Consideration of mitigating circumstances
Identify school personnel who may need to testify.

Executive Director of Student Services

AP of Student Services