§ 6-18-507 - Suspension -- Expulsion. - Arkansas Statutes

6-18-507. Suspension -- Expulsion.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) "Course time" means the number of hours of instruction devoted to a single subject during the school week;

(2) "Expulsion" means dismissal from school for a period of time that exceeds ten (10) days;

(3) "Nontraditional scheduling" means block or other alternative scheduling as defined by the Department of Education; and

(4) "Suspension" means dismissal from school for a period of time that does not exceed ten (10) days.

(b) The board of directors of a school district may suspend or expel any student from school for violation of the school district's written discipline policies.

(c) (1) The board of directors may authorize a teacher or an administrator to suspend any student for a maximum of ten (10) school days for violation of the school district's written discipline policies, subject to appeal to the superintendent or his or her designee; however, schools that utilize nontraditional scheduling may not suspend students from more course time than would result from a ten-day suspension under the last traditional schedule used by the school district.

(2) If the superintendent initiates the suspension process, the decision may be appealed to the board of directors.

(d) (1) A superintendent may recommend the expulsion of a student for more than ten (10) days for violation of the school district's written discipline policies, subject to appeal to the board of directors and to requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(2) (A) After hearing all testimony and debate on a suspension, expulsion, or appeal, the board of directors may consider its decision in executive session without the presence of anyone other than the board members.

(B) At the conclusion of an executive session, the board of directors shall reconvene in public session to vote on the suspension, expulsion, or appeal.

(3) A school district board of directors meeting entertaining an appeal shall be conducted in executive session if requested by the parent or guardian of the student provided that after hearing all testimony and debate, the board of directors shall conclude the executive session and reconvene in public session to vote on such appeal.

(e) (1) The superintendent of any school district shall recommend the expulsion of any student from school for a period of not less than one (1) year for possession of any firearm or other weapon prohibited upon the school campus by law; provided, however, that the superintendent shall have discretion to modify such expulsion requirement for a student on a case-by-case basis.

(2) All school districts shall adopt a written policy regarding expulsion of a student for possessing a firearm or other prohibited weapon on school property that shall require parents, guardians, or other persons in loco parentis of a student expelled under this subsection (e) to sign a statement acknowledging that the parents have read and understand current laws regarding the possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to possess a weapon on school property. The statement shall be signed by the parents, guardians, or other persons in loco parentis prior to readmitting a student or enrolling a student in any public school immediately after the expiration of an expulsion period pursuant to this subsection (e).

(3) (A) The school administrators and the local school board of directors shall complete the expulsion process of any student that was initiated because the student possessed a firearm or other prohibited weapon on school property regardless of the enrollment status of the student.

(B) The principal of each school shall report within a week to the department the name, current address, and social security number of any student who is expelled for possessing a firearm or other prohibited weapon on school property or for committing other acts of violence.

(C) The expulsion shall be noted on the student's permanent school record.

(D) Nothing in this subdivision (e)(3) shall be construed to limit a superintendent's discretion to modify the expulsion requirement for a student on a case-by-case basis as set out in this subsection (e).

(4) (A) The department shall establish and maintain a registry of students who are expelled for possessing a firearm or other prohibited weapon on school property or for committing other acts of violence.

(B) The names, addresses, and social security numbers of all students listed in the registry shall be available by phone, facsimile, or mail to any school principal in the state.

(f) (1) Upon suspension of a student, the school shall immediately contact the student's parent or legal guardian to notify the parent or legal guardian of the suspension.

(2) Each parent or legal guardian shall provide the school:

(A) (i) A primary call number.

(ii) If the call number changes, the parent or legal guardian shall notify the school of the new primary call number;

(B) An email address if the parent or guardian does not have a telephone; or

(C) A current mailing address if the parent or guardian does not have a telephone or email address.

(3) The contact required in subsection (f) of this section is sufficient if made by:

(A) Direct contact with the parent or legal guardian at the primary call number or in person;

(B) Leaving a voice mail at the primary call number;

(C) Sending a text message to the primary call number;

(D) Email if the school is unable to make contact through the primary call number; or

(E) Regular first-class mail if the school is unable to make contact through the primary call number or email.

(4) The school shall keep a notification log of contacts attempted and made to the parent or legal guardian.