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Definitions Relating to Formal Disciplinary Actions

The following are examples of formal disciplinary actions that may or may not be used in each school. Students and parents/guardians who desire to have further information about the disciplinary actions used in specific schools should contact officials at that school.

❖ Alternative Education Centers – The district has two (2) Alternative Education Centers - Grand Park and Mattie V. Rutherford. These centers provide a structured educational environment for the student who with a pattern of disobedience in the regular school setting. These schools are committed to guiding students toward academic excellence by assisting the student in modifying inappropriate behaviors and instilling positive student interactions that allow them to interact positively in the regular school setting and the community.

❖ Alternative Education Centers and Programs – Schools and programs developed by the School Board for placement of students who have violated the Code of Student Conduct may be offered these voluntary programs in special circumstances in lieu of other disciplinary actions. Such schools and programs include, but are not limited to, the Alternative Education Centers, the Night-time Substance Use Prevention Counseling Education Program (Night-time Program) and the Students Option for Success Program (SOS).

❖ Before/After School Detention – Assignment to a designated area on campus at the beginning or end of the regular school day for a specified period of time.

❖ Cafeteria Suspension – Denial of the privilege of eating meals in the cafeteria with other students for a specified period of time and assignment to another area in the school for meals.

❖ Class Suspension – Denial of the privilege of attending an individual class for a specified period of time and assignment to another area in the school for the time that class meets.

❖ Commission of Level III or Level IV Infractions by Seniors – A senior student who commits a Level III or IV Infraction, described in the Code of Student Conduct, shall forfeit the right to participate in graduation exercises and other senior-related activities until the student has successfully completed all assigned consequences and disciplinary actions. School Board Policies and Procedures regarding assignment to alternative centers shall apply to students who commit a Level III or Level IV Infraction.

❖Expulsion – Removal of the right and obligation of a student to attend a public school under conditions set by the School Board for a period of time not to exceed the remainder of the school year and one (1) additional year of attendance.

The School Board may expel a student from school based on grounds specified in the Code of Student Conduct. “Expulsion” means the removal of the right and obligation of a student to attend a public school under conditions set by the district school board, and for a period of time not to exceed the remainder of the term or school year and one (1) additional year of attendance. Expulsions may be imposed with or without continuing educational services and shall be reported accordingly. The School Board has the sole authority to expel students pursuant to Florida Statute 1006.07.

The Duval County School Board will conduct an expulsion hearing for a student found to have committed a Zero Tolerance Offense, even if the student withdraws from Duval County Public Schools after committing the offense.

❖In-School Suspension – Assignment to a designated area within the school when a student is removed from the regular school program for a specified period of time.

❖Network/Internet Suspension – Certain technology-based infractions may result in a suspension of network and/or internet access. Alternative instructional materials may be provided.

❖Saturday Detention/School – Assignment to a session at the school on Saturday for work assignments, academic work, or guidance.

❖School Board Hearing Officer – Designee of the Superintendent who holds a disciplinary hearing with the parent/guardian in the event that resolution is not achieved at the school level.

❖School Board Hearing – Hearing by the School Board with the parent/guardian and School Board staff where staff and parent/guardian are given the opportunity to speak before the Board (Available for Level IV Offenses only)

❖School Bus Suspension or Revocation – Denial of the privilege of riding a school bus based on misconduct occurring while the student is being transported at public expense. Bus code Infractions may result in the suspension of bus privileges. A student may be suspended or expelled from riding the bus at any point in the discipline process. A bus suspension is separate from a school suspension and applies only to the loss of bus riding privileges unless subject to other disciplinary actions, such as out-of-school suspension. Students are required to attend school. Bus suspension does not affect or excuse school attendance.

NOTE: A student who has been suspended or expelled from the school bus who boards, rides, or attempts to ride a school bus, without being authorized to do so, is considered to be trespassing and is subject to arrest.

❖Student Option for Success (SOS) Program – An evening counseling program developed to assist elementary, middle and high school students who are experiencing disciplinary problems in the regular school settings. Participation must begin on the first available class. Parental participation is required. (3rd through 12th Grade)

❖Night-time Substance Use Prevention Counseling Education Program – The Night-time Substance Use Prevention Counseling Education Program is an alternative program available to students who have committed a 3.01 (Alcohol) or 3.02 (Drugs) Infraction against the Code of Student Conduct. Parental participation is required. (Ages 11 and up)

❖Suspension – Removal of students from their regular school program for a period not to exceed seven (7) days. Pursuant to Florida Statute 1006.09, no student who is required by law to attend shall be suspended for unexcused tardiness, absence or truancy. Therefore, suspension is not an appropriate disciplinary action for Code Infraction 1.05 and 1.10, as it relates to students who fall within the mandatory state attendance requirements

NOTE: A student who has been suspended or expelled from school and returns to any School Board property without being authorized to do so is considered to be trespassing and is subject to arrest.

❖Teen Court - Teen Court is based on the philosophy that a youthful law violator is less likely to continue to offend when a peer jury decides the punishment. Teen Court attempts to interrupt developing patterns of criminal behavior by promoting feelings of self-esteem and healthy attitudes toward authority. The program places a high priority on educating teens about citizenship and accepting responsibility for their actions. In some cases, juvenile participants are given stern consequences for those actions. This program is recommended for certain Code of Student Conduct offenses and is offered at secondary schools. Parental consent is required for participation. Parental participation is required. (Ages 11 and up) (This intervention is used for serious infractions only)