One of the most devastating situations Florida parents can experience is their children being expelled from school. This can have dire consequences for their education. If your child was expelled, taking these steps is crucial.
Expulsion vs. suspension
If your child has gotten into trouble at school, it’s important to make sure you know whether he or she has been expelled or suspended. There’s a big difference between the two. Suspension means your child was punished and is not allowed in school for a specific number of days, usually up to 10. If he or she was expelled, it’s much more serious and means that they are banned from attending school at all. Expulsions are sometimes permanent, but most last up to one year. This is a form of punishment handed down for serious problems that are not taken lightly.
Dealing with your child’s expulsion
Depending on the child, there might be different reactions to expulsion. Some kids fall in with the wrong crowds and take a downward turn. If your child falls into that category, he or she might be proud of being expelled from school. Other kids are scared and devastated in such a situation. It’s normal for them to be embarrassed and ashamed as their peers learn about the expulsion.
Learning the details behind the expulsion is crucial. You will want to hear both sides, but when asking your child what happened, be calm and ask him or her to be honest with his or her explanation. Having your child write down the events might be best.
Under education law, an expulsion hearing must take place before a child is expelled. As a parent, you are notified of the situation and given a date for the hearing. You should attend because it gives you the chance to learn all the details of why your child is being expelled and dispute it. You can present witnesses and evidence supporting your claim against expulsion and can cross-examine witnesses called by the school.
At the end of the hearing, members of the Board of Education decide if your child should be expelled. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the expulsion, you can advocate for your child.