Student/Parent Handbook - Braintree Public Schools

Expulsion Policy
A. Certain offenses are considered sufficiently severe that expulsion will be
considered. Among these offenses are:
‣ possession of a dangerous weapon, included but not limited to a
firearm, knife, chain, studded bracelet, tear-gas canister, and “metal
star”
‣ possession of a controlled substance, included but not limited to,
marijuana, cocaine or heroin (Massachusetts General Law Chapter
71, Section 37 H)
‣ assault on a staff member (Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71,
Section 37 H)
‣ causing a major school disruption; i.e. pulling a false fire alarm
‣ falsely reporting the existence of an exploding device
‣ any other act that is deemed by the administration as serious enough
in nature including being arrested for a felony even though it occurred
off of school grounds.( Massachusetts Education Reform Act 37H 1/2)
B. Those students who have violated any of the above infractions may be subject
to the following disciplinary action:
‣ Suspension from school for a period of 1-10 days for those offenses
occurring on school grounds or at a school-sponsored events
‣ Suspension from all school activities for a period of four weeks from
the date of the infraction
‣ Expulsion hearing with the Headmaster
‣ Expulsion from school
‣ Referral to local law enforcement for criminal complaint
C. Procedural due process for expulsion includes:
‣ Written notice of the charges and adequate time to prepare for a
hearing
‣ The right to be represented by a lawyer or other advocate at the
hearing
‣ The right to present and question evidence and witnesses
‣ The right to a reasonable prompt, written decision, including specific
grounds for the decision
D. Any student who has been expelled by the Headmaster shall have the right to
appeal to the Superintendent
Alcohol Detection Policy
Braintree High School prohibits and does not tolerate the use or possession of drugs
including alcohol. The Alcohol Detection Policy supports the Memorandum of
Understanding, printed on page 56. Students exhibiting signs of alcohol consumption
such as glassy eyes, slurred speech, unsteadiness on the feet, or the emission of an
alcoholic odor will be required to take a test using an alcohol detection device
administered by a school administrator. If a student tests positive for alcohol
consumption he or she will receive two additional opportunities to take the test.
Students who test positive for alcohol consumption or student who refuse to take the test
upon determination that there is reasonable cause to suspect they have consumed
alcohol, will be disciplined under the Policy of Braintree Public Schools Relative to Illegal
Distribution, Use, and Possession of Drugs outlined in the Memorandum of
Understanding on page 57.
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