In another Smyrna School District expulsion case, not related to that of Student J, the Delaware State Board of Education overturned that decision. The family filed an appeal earlier this Spring. The Hearing Officer recommended the State Board overturn the decision. They did so at their July 27th meeting last Thursday.
It is my most fervent hope that between this and Student J’s case, the district will take a very close look at their expulsion policies which are among the highest percentage in Delaware for school districts. I am not against expulsion if the violation is egregious. But any expulsion is a very serious thing and should not be taken lightly.
This issue is on my radar and it does not just apply to traditional school districts. I find “counseling out”, where some charter schools have “talked” a parent out of keeping their child in their school to be just as unfair as an unnecessary expulsion. I will be keeping a very close eye on these kind of situations in the upcoming school year. If any parent feels an expulsion was unjust, I encourage them to contact me. As J’s mother quickly became aware, I will quickly intervene and attempt to help.
To read the full story of Student J in Smyrna, click here.
The Season Of Myths 