Right To Due Process

In any disciplinary situation, a student should expect the following procedural protections:

  • to be informed of the allegations against him or her
     
  • to be given the opportunity to present his or her version of the incident
     
  • to be given the opportunity to confirm or deny the allegations
     
  • to be informed of the evidence/rationale for any disciplinary consequences.

In situations involving infractions which may result in the imposition of suspension from school for two to ten days, a student should expect the following additional procedures:

  • attempted notification of parent/guardian within the first hour of the incident investigation
     
  • to be offered the opportunity to request the presence of a school-based adult advocate during the investigation
     
  • formal notification of parent/guardian regarding any disciplinary consequences
     
  • the right to appeal suspensions of five to ten days to the building principal.
     
  • written notification of allegations sent to student and parent/guardian

In situations involving infractions which may result in the imposition of long-term suspension from school for more than ten days or expulsion, a student should expect the following additional procedures:

  • written notification of allegations sent to student and parent/guardian
     
  • adequate time to prepare for a hearing, including presenting evidence and witnesses on his or her behalf and securing the assistance of counsel
     
  • see District section of handbook for procedures for students with Individualized Education Plans or 504 Plans
     
  • the right to appeal disciplinary decisions to the district superintendent.

Lockers are the property of the Amherst Regional High School. In a search and seizure situation, the student who has been assigned the locker may be given the opportunity to be present. This will occur only when a student’s personal possessions are being checked and the student’s presence does not present a threat to that student’s safety or to the safety of others. Contraband found in the course of a search of a student’s locker, bag or person will be confiscated and, if appropriate, turned over to the Amherst Police Department. Disposition of contraband turned over to the APD is the responsibility of the police.