Special Meeting-February 3, 2010

The Board of Directors of the Jefferson-Scranton Community School District met in special session on February 3, 2010 at the Jefferson-Scranton Elementary School for a requested student suspension appeal. President Sam Harding called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Also present were Directors Teresa Hagen, Mike Holden, Kevin Neal and Celli Whipple; Superintendent Tim Christensen, Secretary Brenda Muir, Board Attorney Kyle Orris, a student, his/her parents and their attorney.

The president read the goals and mission statement of the district.

Motion was made by Hagen, seconded by Holden to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

The student, being over the age of eighteen, requested the appeal be held in open session.

Attorney Orris stated the student had violated the Student Good Conduct Policy. It was his/her second offense and the consequence is to not participate in half of the contests of the activity they are participating in. He/she had appealed that decision to the superintendent who denied the appeal. According to the student’s attorney, the basis of the appeal to the board was 1) there was not a violation of the Student Good Conduct Policy and 2) there was inadequate due process given.

A discussion and gathering of information including timelines of the events leading up to the ineligibility decision was held. The student and his/her parents both read written statements. The original evidence was shown to the board and the ineligibility letter was read aloud. The board deliberated in the open session and also asked questions and heard comments. Both basis of appeal were then acted upon.

Holden made and Hagen seconded a motion to deny the appeal based on the inadequate due process defense. Motion carried 3-2.
Ayes: Hagen, Holden, Harding
Nays: Neal, Whipple

Holden made and Whipple seconded a motion to deny the appeal based on the nonviolation of Student Good Conduct Policy defense. Motion carried 5-0.

The ineligibility/suspension was upheld.

The president declared the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.