Bill > LD165

This bill removes existing restrictions on expelling or suspending students in lower grade levels, specifically eliminating previous protections for students in grade 5 and below. Currently, schools were limited in their ability to issue out-of-school suspensions to younger students, but this bill would allow school boards to expel or suspend students of any grade level for serious infractions such as deliberate disobedience, violence, weapon possession, drug-related offenses, and other significant behavioral issues. The bill also modifies language around school board policies, including removing provisions that previously prevented withholding recess as a punishment for younger students, except in specific circumstances involving restorative interventions. Additionally, the bill maintains the school board's existing authority to modify expulsion requirements on a case-by-case basis and allows for providing educational services in alternative settings for expelled students. These changes effectively give school boards more discretion in disciplinary actions across all grade levels, removing previous age-based limitations on suspension and expulsion.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=165&snum=132