# JKE - EXPULSION OF STUDENTS

<span style="font-weight: 400;">No student shall be expelled from school except by action of the Board. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Following a proper investigation of a student's behavior, the Board shall expel a student, if found necessary for the peace and usefulness of the school, as provided in 20-A M.R.S. § 1001(9) and (9A).</span>

Students in grade five or below cannot be expelled, except for violations of the Gun-Free Schools Act, as provided in 20-A M.R.S. § 1001 (9A).

The Superintendent has the discretion under Maine law to provide an alternative to expulsion on a case-by-case basis. Such determination must be made in writing.

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Board also has the authority to readmit an expelled student upon satisfactory evidence that the behavior which caused the student to be expelled will not likely recur.</span>

### <span style="font-weight: 400;">Notice of Expulsion Hearing</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Before an expulsion hearing, the Superintendent shall:</span>

1. <span style="font-weight: 400;">Provide a written notice to the parents/legal guardian and the student, by certified and regular mail, that:</span>
    1. Informs them of the date, time and location of the hearing;
    2. <span style="font-weight: 400;">Provides a description of the incident( s) that resulted in the expulsion hearing;</span>
    3. <span style="font-weight: 400;">Informs them of their right to review the school's records prior to the hearing;</span>
    4. <span style="font-weight: 400;">Includes a copy of the Board's expulsion guidelines (JKE-R);</span>
    5. <span style="font-weight: 400;">Informs them that the student has the right to an attorney or other representation, and the right to present and cross-examine witnesses; and</span>
    6. <span style="font-weight: 400;">Includes a list of available free and low-cost legal services, which must be created and updated annually by the Maine Department of Education.</span>
2. Invite the parents/legal guardians and the student to a meeting prior to the expulsion hearing to discuss the hearing.

### <span style="font-weight: 400;">Expulsion Hearing and Reentry Guidelines</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The expulsion hearing shall be held in a properly called executive session and may also be attended by persons designated by the Superintendent to present information in the case.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Upon making a decision to expel a student, the Board may:</span>

1. Expel the student for a specific period of time not to exceed the total number of instructional days approved by the Board for the current year; or
2. Expel the student for an unspecified period of time and authorize the Superintendent to provide the expelled student with a reentry plan, to be developed in accordance with 20-A MRSA § 1001(9-C), specifying the conditions that must be met in order for the student to be readmitted to school after the expulsion.

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Board has adopted guidelines that outline the hearing process and the procedure for developing and implementing a reentry plan (if applicable).</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Nothing in this policy shall prevent the Board from providing educational services in an alternative setting to a student who has been expelled.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Legal Reference: </span>

- <span style="font-weight: 400;">20-A MRS§§ 1001 (8A); (9); (9A); (9C)</span>
- <span style="font-weight: 400;">l MRS§ 405(6)(B) </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Cross Reference:</span>

- <span style="font-weight: 400;">[JKE-R- Expulsion Hearing and Reentry Guidelines](https://documentation.cape.k12.me.us/books/board-policies/page/jke-r-procedure-expulsion-hearing-and-reentry-guidelines) </span>
- [<span style="font-weight: 400;">JIC - Student Code of Conduct</span>](https://documentation.cape.k12.me.us/books/board-policies/page/jic-system-wide-student-code-of-conduct)
- [<span style="font-weight: 400;">JICIA - Weapons, Violence, Bullying and School Safety </span>](https://documentation.cape.k12.me.us/books/board-policies/page/jicia-weapons-violence-and-school-safety)
- [<span style="font-weight: 400;">JK - Student Discipline</span>](https://documentation.cape.k12.me.us/books/board-policies/page/jk-student-discipline)
- [<span style="font-weight: 400;">JKD - Suspension of Students</span>](https://documentation.cape.k12.me.us/books/board-policies/page/jkd-suspension-of-students)
- [<span style="font-weight: 400;">JKF - Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities</span> ](https://documentation.cape.k12.me.us/books/board-policies/page/jkf-disciplinary-removals-of-students-with-disabilities)

### <span style="font-weight: 400;">Adopted: </span>

- <span style="font-weight: 400;">May 12, 2003</span>

### <span style="font-weight: 400;">REPLACES: </span>

- <span style="font-weight: 400;">JKD/JKE-Suspension/Expulsion of Students </span>

### <span style="font-weight: 400;">Revised: </span>

- <span style="font-weight: 400;">December 11, 2012</span>
- <span style="font-weight: 400;">November 12, 2024</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span>

---