The purpose of this memorandum is to notify teachers and administrators of Act 1150 of 1999, which pertains to revisions in school law concerning suspension and expulsion of students with weapons.
AUTHORIZATION TO EXPEL OR SUSPEND A STUDENT
The board of directors may authorize a teacher or administrator to suspend any student for a maximum of ten (10) days for violation of the school district`s written discipline policies, subject to appeal to the superintendent or his designee; schools that utilize nontraditional scheduling may not suspend students for more course time than would result from a ten-day suspension under the traditional schedule used by the school district.
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.
WRITTEN POLICY REQUIRED FOR STUDENT HANDBOOK
All school districts shall adopt a written policy regarding the expulsion of a student for possessing a firearm or other prohibited weapon on school property. This policy shall require parents, guardians, or other persons in loco parentis of an expelled student 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.
THE PRINCIPAL SHALL REPORT TO THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ANY STUDENT EXPELLED
The school administrators and the local school board shall complete the expulsion process of any student initiated because the student possessed a firearm or other prohibited weapon on school property, regardless of the enrollment status of the student. The principal of each school shall report, within a week, to the Department of Education 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 committing other acts of violence. The expulsion shall be noted on the student`s permanent school record. Please report such information to Brenda Caudle, Department of Education, #4 State Capitol Mall, Room 204-B, Little Rock, AR 72201.
THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL KEEP A REGISTRY OF STUDENTS EXPELLED FOR FIREARMS OR VIOLENCE
The Department of Education shall establish and maintain a registry of students who are expelled for possessing a firearm or other prohibited weapon on school property or committing other acts of violence. 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. Please contact Brenda Caudle at the address above or by calling 501-682-5157.