skip to main content

HCPSS / POLICIES

Policy 9200 Implementation Procedures - Student Discipline

Implementation Procedures

I. Definitions

Within the context of these procedures, the following definitions apply:

  1. Evening School – An interim disciplinary placement providing educational opportunities for selected middle and high school students that takes place after normal school hours.

  2. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) – A systematic process of gathering information to guide the development of an effective and efficient Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

  3. Homewood Center – A setting which provides alternative middle and high school programs for students in need of intensive academic and behavioral instruction and support. Homewood Center also serves students with an emotional disability and in need of a separate day program to meet Individual Educational Program (IEP) goals and objectives.

  4. Individual Educational Program (IEP) Team – A group of individuals established in accordance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provisions to consider the identification, evaluation, program, or placement for all student suspected of, or identified as, needing special education and related services.

  5. Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) – A setting within or outside the designated home school selected to enable a student receiving special education services to continue to progress in the general curriculum and to continue to receive special education services and modifications needed to meet the goals of the student’s IEP.

  6. School Problem Solving Team – Group established to determine intervention and supports needed for students struggling with behavior (such as Instructional Intervention Team (IIT) or School Support Team (SST)).

  7. Serious Bodily Injury – An injury that involves a substantial risk of death; extreme physical pain; protracted and obvious disfigurement; or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty.

II. Interventions and Supports for Student Behavior

  1. Staff will receive annual training and resources necessary to ensure a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment.

    1. The training and resources provided to staff will address:

      1. The contents and requirements of this policy as well as Students’ Rights and Responsibilities.

      2. Prevention and a continuum of intervention/support techniques designed to promote expected school behaviors and discourage students from engaging in behaviors that interfere with the provision of a safe, engaging, and supportive environment.

    2. Training for staff members regarding the implementation of positive behavioral interventions and supports is available from Central Office staff.

  2. Through the school improvement process, or other identified data protocol, schools will analyze school discipline dashboard data reports for trends and disproportionality and develop strategies to address student needs that reflect a restorative approach.

  3. When students demonstrate behavioral infractions, school administrators will ensure disciplinary consequences include opportunities for students and parents to understand the nature of the behavioral infractions and how to avoid future violations.

  4. Students demonstrating behavioral infractions may be referred to the school problem solving team to determine if there is a need for an individualized student behavior plan.

  5. Principals will ensure that intervention and support will be provided to any prekindergarten through grade 2 student who:

    1. Is suspended;

    2. Commits an act that would cause a student in grade 3 or higher to be suspended; or

    3. Is disruptive to the school environment.

III. Investigation/Reports

  1. A school administrator will investigate any alleged violation of the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct in a timely manner and complete the required incident report.

  2. If, at the conclusion of the investigation, the school administrator determines there has been a violation of the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct and/or Board policy, consequent action will be in accordance with the provisions of this policy, Policy 9020 Students’ Rights and Responsibilities, and the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct.

  3. All data from incident reports will be entered into the student records management system.

  4. Copies of disciplinary referrals describing students’ behavioral violations will be kept in each student’s cumulative file.

IV. Non-Exclusionary Consequences

  1. General Procedures

    1. Staff/Administrator Response

      For minor behavioral infractions, school staff and school administrators may respond to students in a manner that does not require parental notification. These responses may include actions such as a verbal reprimand, assigning the student to a brief period of time-out, withholding privileges, requiring a conference with the student, or assigning detention during the school day.

    2. Parent Involvement Contact

      Many behavioral infractions require parental contact. When parental contact is warranted, parents will be informed of the misbehavior and consequence within one school day after the conclusion of the investigation. Communication with parents may take many forms, including phone calls, written notices, email notification, and administrative conferences with the student and the parent.

    3. Reallocation of Student’s Time Through Detention

      1. Some behavioral infractions warrant reallocation of a student’s time through detention beyond the school day. This occurs when student misbehavior calls for a significant response short of suspension from school.

      2. Written notice of detention outside of regularly scheduled school hours will be given to the parent of a student who is being assigned a detention at least one day in advance of the date of detention.

        1. The staff member assigning the detention should retain a copy of the written notice.

        2. The written notice of detention will contain the reason that the detention is being assigned, the date of the detention, and the times that the detention will begin and end.

        3. The detention notice is to be signed by the parent and returned to the staff member who assigned the detention.

      3. Unless a school administrator determines otherwise, detention will be completed before participation in extracurricular activities.

      4. The responsibility for transportation of students assigned detention outside of school hours rests with the parents of the students.

      5. If a student fails to complete a detention on the date assigned and the parents have not contacted the staff member who assigned the detention, the student may be referred to the administration and be subject to further disciplinary action.

      6. For infractions that warrant more serious consequences than other forms of detention, all procedures outlined above, in 3.a–d. will be followed.

V. Suspensions of Up to Ten School (10) Days

The following provisions and procedures apply, for each offense, for all students except those receiving special education services or having 504 Plans.

  1. General Provisions

    1. Students may be suspended for serious behavioral infractions.

      1. Principals may suspend students enrolled in grades 3 through 12 for up to ten (10) consecutive school days for cause.

      2. Principals may suspend students enrolled in prekindergarten through grade 2 for up to five consecutive school days only when the school administration, in consultation with a school psychologist or other mental health professional, determines that a student is an imminent threat of serious harm to other students or staff that cannot be reduced or eliminated through intervention and supports.

    2. In-school suspensions should be assigned with the same considerations and expectations accorded short-term suspensions, long-term suspensions, or extended suspensions. This includes keeping records of in-school suspensions, parental notification, and reporting in-school suspensions using currently accepted guidelines for reporting of disciplinary data.

    3. Students serving in-school suspensions may be prohibited from attending classes and from participating in school-related or extracurricular activities.

    4. Students serving short-term suspensions, long-term suspensions, extended suspensions, or expulsion will remain off all HCPSS properties for the duration of the suspension or expulsion unless prior authorization has been granted by the school principal.

  2. General Procedures

    1. The student will be informed promptly of the alleged violation and given the opportunity to explain in writing his/her explanation of the situation.

    2. The student or the student’s parent will have a conference with the principal/designee and/or any other appropriate personnel during the suspension period.

    3. If a principal determines that a suspension up to ten (10) school days is warranted, he/she will inform the student and the student’s parent of the reason(s) for the suspension within one school day after the conclusion of the investigation. Verbal communication is to be attempted in cases of suspension. However, other forms of notification may be utilized when verbal communication cannot be made, including the use of written notices, email, and administrative conferences with the student and the parent. If a student is suspended he/she will not be released from school during the initial day of suspension without parent notification.

    4. If a principal determines that a suspension of any length is warranted, the student’s parent will receive a letter that includes:

      1. The reason for the suspension

      2. The length of the suspension

      3. The appeal procedures

      4. The list of community resources.

    5. If the suspension is ordered by the principal/designee, an appeal of a suspension of ten (10) school days or less may be made to the Superintendent/Designee within ten (10) days of the date on which the suspension began.

VI. Alternative Educational Setting

The following provisions and procedures apply, for each offense, for all students except those receiving special education services or having 504 Plans.

  1. Students may be assigned to or granted placement in an alternative educational setting, such as Homewood Center or Evening School, by designated Central Office staff.

  2. Every effort will be made to enlist parent support when assigning students to alternative educational settings. However, the Superintendent/Designee retains the right to assign students to alternative settings when the students and/or parents do not agree to such placements.

  3. The length of placement in an alternative educational setting will be determined by designated Central Office staff.

  4. Designated Central Office staff will track and monitor demographic data and length of placement data for students in alternative educational settings.

  5. The sending school maintains responsibility for students until the student arrives at the assigned settings or until required actions (e.g., completion of assessments) are completed by the sending school.

  6. Failure of students to complete requirements of the alternative educational setting in a satisfactory manner may result in additional disciplinary actions.

VII. Suspensions of More Than Ten (10) School Days and Expulsions

The following provisions and procedures apply, for each offense, for all students except those receiving special education services or having 504 Plans.

  1. General Provisions

    1. For a student enrolled in grades 3 through 12, an extended suspension may occur when the Superintendent/Designee has determined that either:

      1. The student’s return to school prior to the completion of the suspension period would pose an imminent threat of serious harm to other students, staff, or others; or

      2. The student has engaged in chronic and extreme disruption of the educational process that has created a substantial barrier to learning for other students across the school day, and other available and appropriate behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted.

    2. For a student enrolled in grades 3 through 12, expulsion may occur when the Superintendent/Designee has determined that the student’s return to school prior to the completion of the expulsion period would pose an imminent threat of serious harm to other students, staff, or others. For a student enrolled in prekindergarten through grade 2 expulsion may occur only if required by federal law.

    3. The Superintendent/Designee will limit the duration of the exclusion to the shortest period practicable.

    4. The HCPSS will provide the excluded student with comparable educational services and appropriate behavioral support services to promote successful return to the student’s regular academic program.

    5. Any student suspended or expelled from school will remain off all HCPSS properties for the duration of the suspension or expulsion unless prior authorization has been granted by the school principal.

    6. Students who are expelled may request reinstatement from the Superintendent/Designee, who makes all determinations in such matters.

  2. General Procedures

    For cases in which a principal determines that a suspension exceeding ten(10) school days or expulsion for 45 school days or more is warranted, he/she will issue a ten-day suspension, make a written recommendation to the Superintendent/Designee, and inform the student and the student’s parent of the reason(s) for the suspension and recommendation to the Superintendent/Designee. Verbal communication is to be attempted in cases of suspension. However, other forms of notification may be utilized when verbal communication cannot be established including the use of written notices, email, and administrative conferences with the student and the parent. If a student is suspended he/she will not be released from school during the initial day of suspension without parent notification.

    1. Investigations

      1. Upon receipt of a written report from a principal requesting an extended suspension or an expulsion, the Superintendent/Designee will promptly make a thorough investigation of the matter.

      2. If after the investigation the Superintendent/Designee finds that an extended suspension or an expulsion is warranted, the Superintendent/Designee will promptly arrange a conference to explain the outcome of the investigation with the student and the student’s parent.

      3. The process described in B.1.a–b. above will be completed by the 10th school day of the initial suspension. If additional time is necessary to complete the process, either because of delays due to parent unavailability or due to the complexity of the investigation, the student will be allowed to return to school, unless the Superintendent/Designee determines that the student’s return to school would pose an imminent threat of serious harm to other students, staff, or others.

      4. If the student is not allowed to return to school after the 10th day, the Superintendent/Designee will notify the student and the parent within 24 hours and provide the reasons for the delay in the process and the denial of reentry and send a copy of the notice to the State Superintendent of Schools.

    2. Appeals

      1. If after the conference the Superintendent/Designee finds that an extended suspension or an expulsion is warranted, the student or the student’s parent may appeal to the Board within ten (10) days after the determination.

      2. If an appeal is filed, the Board or its designated committee or hearing officer will have 45 days from the date the appeal was received to hear the appeal and issue a decision, as follows:

        1. This timeline period may be extended if the parent or his/her representative requests additional time; and

        2. This timeline will also apply in the event that theBoard elects to use a hearing examiner.

      3. If due to extraordinary circumstances or unusual complexity of a particular appeal, the Board determines that it will be unable to hear an appeal and issue a decision within 45 days, it may petition theState Superintendent for an extension of time.

      4. The student or the student’s parent or representative:

        1. Will be provided the HCPSS’s witness list and a copy of the documents that the HCPSS will present at the hearing 5 days before hearing; and

        2. May bring counsel and witnesses to the hearing.

      5. Unless a public hearing is requested by the parent of the student, all student disciplinary hearings will be held out of the presence of all individuals except those whose presence is considered necessary or desirable by the Board.

      6. The appeal to the Board does not stay the decision of the Superintendent.

      7. The decision of the Board is final.

VIII. Students Receiving Special Education Services

When a student is receiving special education services the following procedures apply when considering disciplinary consequences, which would exclude the student from normal school activities.

  1. General provisions

    1. In-school suspensions will be assigned with the same considerations and expectations accorded to short-term suspensions, long-term suspensions, or extended suspensions. This includes keeping records of in-school suspensions, contacting parents, and reporting in-school suspensions as suspensions using currently accepted guidelines for reporting of disciplinary data.

    2. If a student is sent home by an administrator due to behavioral concerns, that time from school is considered a removal and counts as a suspension.

    3. Students serving short-term suspensions, long-term suspensions, or extended suspensions are prohibited from attending classes, accessing school property, and participating in school-related or extracurricular activities.

    4. Any time the disciplinary action results in the exclusion of a student who qualifies for special education disciplinary protections; the parent will be notified and provided a copy of the procedural safeguards booklet on the day the disciplinary action is assigned.

  2. Suspension for up to ten (10) school days

    In any disciplinary case deemed to warrant suspension of up to ten (10) school days, a student with an IEP may be suspended in accordance with Section V.B. of these procedures.

  3. Suspension for more than ten (10) cumulative school days (including in-school suspensions) or expulsion:

    1. Students with IEPs can be excluded from instruction for a total of ten (10) cumulative days per school year. After the 10th day, students must receive educational services to enable them to progress appropriately in the general education curriculum and advance toward achieving the goals on the student’s IEP.

    2. Any disciplinary action of a student with an IEP that warrants a suspension that exceeds ten (10) school days per year or expulsion by the Superintendent/Designee will be immediately referred to the IEP team. The parent will be given notice of the IEP team meeting, which must be held as soon as possible, but not later than ten (10) school days after the offense.

    3. It is the responsibility of the IEP team, which includes the parent, to meet and determine if the behavior that resulted in the suspension was a manifestation of the student’s disability. The IEP team will review all relevant information in the student’s file, including the student’s IEP, functional behavior assessment (FBA), behavior intervention plan (BIP), teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parents to determine:

      1. Whether the conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the student’s disability.

      2. Whether the conduct in question was the direct result of the HCPSS’s failure to implement the IEP.

    4. If the IEP team determines that either of the above considerations is applicable, the conduct will be determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability.

    5. If the IEP team determines that the conduct, which prompted the disciplinary action, was a manifestation of the student’s disability, the suspension or expulsion will be discontinued. Suspension days served during this time count toward the 10-day limit for exclusion from educational services. The team members will:

      1. Return the student to the placement from which the student was removed, unless the parent and the IEP team agree to change the placement as part of the modification of the IEP or the BIP. School staff will ensure the parents are informed that the change in placement is voluntary and temporary.

      2. Conduct a FBA and implement a BIP if one has not been implemented previously.

      3. Review and modify the BIP, if necessary, to address the behavior.

    6. Implementation of the revised BIP will occur as soon as possible, but not more than ten (10) school days following the revision and approval by the IEP team. Monitoring of the BIP will occur on an ongoing basis.

    7. If the IEP team determines that the conduct that prompted the disciplinary action was not a manifestation of the student’s disability, the following procedures apply:

      HCPSS must continue to provide educational services during periods of disciplinary removal that exceed ten (10) cumulative school days per year. The IEP team determines the goals, objectives, and services needed to enable the student to progress in the general education curriculum and advance toward achieving the goals of the student’s IEP. The IEP team will conduct, as appropriate, a FBA, or review and revise the student’s BIP to address the behavior. The Superintendent/Designee may consider any unique circumstance on a case-by-case basis when determining whether to recommend a change in placement for a child with a disability. If the Superintendent/Designee recommends an alternative placement, the placement will be able to implement the student’s IEP and the services determined by the IEP team.

    8. If parents disagree with a decision regarding a manifestation determination or with any decision regarding placement for disciplinary reasons, the parents may file a due process complaint in accordance with the provisions of the Parental Rights, Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice.

      Unless the parent and Superintendent/Designee agree on an alternative placement, the student will remain in the student’s current educational setting pending the outcome of the due process hearing. This does not preclude the school from using the normal procedures for dealing with students who are endangering themselves or others. Such procedures may include the use of study carrels, time-outs, detention, or restriction of privileges.

    9. The HCPSS may seek a court order to remove the student or seek the consent of the student’s parent to a change in placement if the student’s presence in school poses a danger to persons or property.

    10. When alternatives are not available, school administrators may consider seeking a hearing officer’s consent or the court’s consent to remove a dangerous student with disabilities from school when alternatives are not available.

  4. Interim Alternative Educational Setting

    1. School staff may remove a student with an IEP to an appropriate Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) for not more than 45 school days without regard to whether the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability, in cases when the student:

      1. Carries or possesses a weapon at school, on school property, or at a school-related activity.

      2. Knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance, while at school, on school property, or at a school-related activity.

      3. Inflicts serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school property, or at a school-related activity.

    2. If the principal believes that a student with an IEP should be assigned to an IAES, the principal will contact the Superintendent/Designee and make the request. If the Superintendent/Designee imposes a consequence of up to 45 school days of suspension, the IEP team will meet to determine the goals, objectives, services, and the location of the IAES that will enable the student to progress in the general education curriculum and advance toward achieving the goals of the student’s IEP.

  5. Student Suspected of Having a Disability

    1. A student who has not been determined to be eligible for special education and who has engaged in behavior that violated any rule or Student Code of Conduct of HCPSS may assert any of the IDEA disciplinary protections if the HCPSS had knowledge that the student was a student with a disability before the behavior that precipitated the disciplinary action occurred or there was a reason to believe that the student may be disabled.

    2. HCPSS is deemed to have knowledge that a student is a “student with a disability” if the following conditions existed prior to the disciplinary action:

      1. The parent of the student has expressed concern in writing to HCPSS supervisory or administrative staff or a teacher of the student, that the student is in need of special education and related services;

      2. The parent of the student has requested an evaluation of the student; or

      3. The teacher of the student or other personnel of the HCPSS has expressed specific concerns about a pattern of behavior demonstrated by the student, directly to supervisory personnel of the HCPSS.

    3. The HCPSS would not be deemed to have knowledge that the student is a “student with a disability” if any of the following conditions exist:

      1. The parent of the student has not allowed an evaluation of the student.

      2. The parent has refused or revoked consent for special education and related services.

      3. The student has been evaluated and it was determined that the student was not a student with a disability.

      4. The IEP team determined that an evaluation was not necessary and the parent was provided written notice of the IEP team’s decision.

    4. If the HCPSS had no knowledge that the student was a student with a disability prior to the disciplinary infraction, then the student may be treated as a general education student who engaged in comparable behavior.

IX. Suspension of Students With 504 Plans

When a student has a 504 Plan, the following procedures apply when considering disciplinary consequences, which would exclude the student from normal school activities.

  1. General provisions related to suspensions

    1. In-school suspensions will be assigned with the same considerations and expectations accorded short-term suspensions, long-term suspension, or extended suspensions. This includes keeping records of in-school suspensions, reporting in-school suspensions as suspensions using currently accepted guidelines for reporting of disciplinary data, and parental notification.

    2. If a student is sent home by administration due to behavioral concerns, that time from school is considered a removal and counts as a suspension.

    3. Students serving short-term suspensions, long-term suspension, or extended suspensions are prohibited from attending classes, accessing school property, and participating in school-related or extracurricular activities.

    4. Any time the disciplinary action results in the exclusion of a student who qualifies for Section 504 protections, the parent will be notified and provided a copy of the Section 504 parental rights notice on the day the disciplinary action is assigned.

  2. Suspension for up to ten (10) school days per year

    In any disciplinary case deemed to warrant suspension of up to ten (10) school days, a student with a 504 Plan may be suspended in accordance with Section V.B. of these procedures.

  3. Suspension for more than ten (10) cumulative school days (including in-school suspensions) or expulsion.

    1. Any disciplinary action of a student with a 504 Plan that warrants a suspension that exceeds ten (10) school days per year or expulsion by the Superintendent/Designee will be immediately referred to the 504 team. The parent will be given notice of the 504 team meeting, which must be held as soon as possible, but not later than ten (10) school days after the offense.

    2. It is the responsibility of the 504 team, which includes the parent, to meet and determine if the behavior that resulted in the suspension was a manifestation of the student’s disability. The 504 team will review all relevant information in the student’s file, including the student’s 504 Plan, FBA, BIP, teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parents to determine:

      1. Whether the conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the student’s disability.

      2. HCPSS’s failure to implement the 504 Plan.

    3. If the 504 team determines that either of the above considerations are applicable, the conduct will be determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability.

    4. If the 504 team determines that the conduct, which prompted the disciplinary action, was a manifestation of the student’s disability, the suspension or expulsion will be discontinued. Suspension days served during this time count toward the 10-day cumulative limit for exclusion from educational services. The team members will:

      1. Return the student to the placement from which the student was removed.

      2. Consider conducting an FBA and implementing a BIP.

      3. Review and modify the BIP, if necessary, to address the behavior.

    5. Implementation of the revised BIP will occur as soon as possible, but not more than ten (10) school days following the revision and approval by the 504 team.

    6. If the 504 team determines that the conduct that prompted the disciplinary action was not a manifestation of the student’s disability, the school system may cease education services during the periods of disciplinary removal that exceed ten (10) school days if non-disabled students in similar circumstances do not continue to receive educational services. If parents disagree with a decision regarding a manifestation determination or with any decision regarding placement for disciplinary reasons, the parents may utilize their grievance rights in accordance with the provisions of the HCPSS Notice of Procedural Safeguards Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

    7. The HCPSS may seek a court order to remove the student or seek the consent of the student’s parent for a change in placement if the student’s presence in school poses a danger to persons or property.

    8. During the pendency of an appeal by a student with a 504 Plan, the student is to be treated like a general education student.

  4. Disciplinary action for illegal drug use or alcohol abuse

    The HCPSS may take disciplinary action, to the same extent as disciplinary action is taken against non-disabled students, against a student with a 504 Plan who is currently engaging in the illegal use of drugs or the use of alcohol.

  5. Discipline for students with Section 504 Plans who bring weapons onto school property

    Under the Gun-Free School Act, a student with a Section 504 Plan who brings a gun to school may be placed in an interim alternative placement for up to 45 calendar days, regardless of whether the behavior was caused by the student’s disability or whether the student had previously been suspended for 10 or more days. If a student with a Section 504 Plan brings a weapon other than a gun to school and is recommended for disciplinary sanctions, the student is entitled to a manifestation determination meeting. If the team determines that the action was not caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the student’s impairment used as the basis for the student’s Section 504 Plan, the student may be disciplined in the same way as a student without a disability would be treated. If the Section 504 team determines the behavior was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the impairment that was used as the basis for the student’s Section 504 Plan, the student must return to school.

  6. Student Suspected of Having a Disability

    1. A student who has not been determined to be eligible under Section 504 and who has engaged in behavior that violated any rule or Student Code of Conduct of HCPSS may assert any of the 504 disciplinary protections if the HCPSS had knowledge that the student was a student with a disability before the behavior that precipitated the disciplinary action occurred or there was a reason to believe that the student may be disabled.

    2. HCPSS is deemed to have knowledge that a student is a “student with a disability” if the following conditions existed prior to the disciplinary action:

      1. The parent of the student has expressed concern in writing to HCPSS supervisory or administrative staff or a teacher of the student, that the student is in need of a Section 504 plan;

      2. The parent of the student has requested an evaluation of the student; or

      3. The teacher of the student or other personnel of the HCPSS has expressed specific concerns about a pattern of behavior demonstrated by the student, directly to the Executive Director of Student Services of HCPSS or to other supervisory personnel of HCPSS.

    3. The HCPSS would not be deemed to have knowledge that the student is a “student with a disability” if any of the following conditions exist:

      1. The parent of the student has not allowed an evaluation of the student.

      2. The parent has refused or revoked consent for Section 504 services.

      3. The student has been evaluated and it was determined that the student was not a student with a disability.

    4. If the HCPSS had no knowledge that the student was a student with a disability prior to the disciplinary infraction, then the student may be treated as a general education student who engaged in comparable behavior.

X. School Bus Transportation

The following procedures apply for all students who ride a school bus which include, but are not limited to, transportation to and from school, and all school-related activities:

  1. Failure to comply with expected student behaviors or interference with the safe transportation of students in any way is a violation of this policy. In the absence of a teacher or school administrator, it is the responsibility of the school bus driver/assistant to report inappropriate or unsafe student behavior to a school-based administrator/designee.

    If any student is deemed to be in violation of this policy by the school bus driver/ assistant, the student should be referred to the appropriate school administrator through the use of the Bus Conduct Report form. In serious situations, the driver/assistant will also contact the Pupil Transportation Office immediately.

  2. Initial disciplinary action as a result of inappropriate behavior on a school bus will be the responsibility of the school administrator. The Pupil TransportationOffice staff will be available to assist school administrators in addressing and resolving infractions.

    1. The administrator will determine if a violation has occurred.

    2. If the administrator determines that a violation has occurred, he/she, in consultation with Pupil Transportation Office staff, as necessary, will take appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct.

  3. Student infractions of the rules/guidelines regarding student conduct on school buses may lead to the temporary or permanent suspension of transportation privileges and/or other discipline.

  4. Inappropriate conduct by students receiving special education or 504 services will be handled in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and Sections

VIII. and IX. of these Implementation Procedures.

XI. History

ADOPTED: November 21, 1989

REVIEWED:

MODIFIED: October 10, 2013, September 19, 2017

REVISED:

  • November 12, 1998

  • January 14, 1999

  • May 12, 2005

  • May 11, 2006

  • April 14, 2011

  • June 21, 2011

  • May 9, 2013

  • June 12, 2014

  • June 7, 2018

EFFECTIVE: July 1, 2018

Policy History Key

  • Adopted-Original date the Board took action to approve a policy
  • Reviewed-The date the status of a policy was assessed by the Superintendent’s Standing Policy Group
  • Modified-The date the Board took action to alter a policy that based on the recommendation of the Superintendent/designee did not require a comprehensive examination
  • Revised-The date the Board took action on a that policy based on the recommendation of the Superintendent/designee needed a comprehensive examination
  • Effective-The date a policy is implemented throughout the HCPSS, typically July 1 following Board action.