PLACEMENT PROCEDURES IN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION CENTERS
All Alternative Education center packets and appeals must be signed in at the Hearing Office or Regional Superintendent for review by the third (3rd) school day following the most recent infraction resulting in the hearing packet. No student should remain suspended for more than seven (7) days without a due process hearing or administrative placement at an alternative school. Refer to the Discipline Guidelines for Students with Disabilities (IEP/504) for those students involved with Level II, III, and IV infractions that indicate disciplinary action of referral to the Hearing Office.
Special Note: No students should be on Out of School Suspension for more than 10 consecutive days. After the 10th day students return to home school. A request for extended OSS can be made to the Hearing Office prior to the 10-day limit if special circumstances arise, Hearing Packets will not be accepted after the 7th day of the suspension window without prior approval from the Hearing Office.
Placement of Students at Alternative Schools - Florida Statute, Section 1003.53 (5) states that “the school Principal or his or her designee shall, prior to placement in a dropout prevention and academic intervention program or the provision of an academic service, provide written notice of placement or services by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the student's parent/guardian. The parent/guardian of the student shall sign an acknowledgment of the notice of placement for service and return the signed acknowledgment to the Principal within three (3) days after receipt of the notice. The parent/guardian of a student assigned to such a dropout prevention and academic intervention program shall be notified in writing and entitled to an administrative review of any action by school personnel relating to such placement pursuant to the provisions of Florida Statute 120.
1. Within twenty-four (72) hours of suspending a student for the purpose of transferring to an Alternative Education Center, the Principal shall send the parent/guardian a certified letter, return receipt requested, informing the parent/guardian of the placement (School Calendar Day). This notice shall include the suggested date for a parent/guardian conference, as well as the automatic date of placement in the event the parent/guardian fails to respond to the notice. The Notice of Pupil Placement at an Alternative School must be sent via certified mail, return receipt requested, whether the parent/guardian is contacted by phone or not (or receives a copy of the charges and Parent Conference Checklist in a face-to-face conference).
2. The Parent Conference Checklist contained in the Alternative Education Centers’ Admissions Packet must be given to parent/guardian during the parent/guardian conference. The Parent Conference Checklist serves as written documentation that the parent/guardian was informed of the charges against their child, provided an opportunity to refute or show mitigation to the charges, and discuss alternative disciplines. The Parent Conference Checklist also serves as documentation of parent/guardian’s decision regarding the student’s placement at an alternative school and informs the parent/guardian of the Appeal Process.
The discipline/administrative transfer of a student to the Alternative Center should take place on or before the seventh (7 th) day of suspension. However, if the parent/guardian indicates on the Parent Conference Checklist or in writing that they would like a review of the Principal’s decision, the school shall, within 72 hours, forward the student’s alternative school admission packet to the appropriate Regional Superintendent for Level III offenses or to the Hearing Officer for Level IV offenses. The review/appeal process does not postpone the pending disciplinary action unless a written agreement can be established between the parent/guardian and the principal that the child should remain suspended until resolution of the appeal.
Parent/guardian who fails to enroll their child in an alternative school setting may violate compulsory school attendance requirements and is subject to criminal prosecution Pursuant Florida Statutes, Section 1003.27 (2). No student should remain suspended for more than five (10) days without a due process hearing or administrative placement at an alternative education center.3. If a satisfactory resolution between the parent/guardian and school administrator cannot be obtained, the parent/guardian may request a review by the Region Superintendent. This review is requested when the parent signs the Alternative School Packet. The Region Superintendent review will result in a written response within two (2) working days.
4. Following the review of the principal’s decision by the Region Superintendent or his/her designee, upon request, a parent/guardian may have an administrative review. The Hearing Officer will have this responsibility. The Hearing Officer will issue a final order upon the completion of the administrative review. (This is the final step in the process and the Hearing Officer’s recommendation is the final decision from the District).
5. Once an Alternative Education Center packet has been forwarded to the hearing office there are two ways that the packets are evaluated.
a) Students that have never been assigned to alternative school will have their Alternative School Packets processed through an administrative review (This does not include a formal hearing with the Hearing Officer). If the parent has not requested an appeal before this point the decision is final. (Though a formal hearing is not required, one may be scheduled at Hearing Officer’s Discretion)
b) Students that have attended an Alternative Center will be contacted for a formal hearing with the DCPS hearing officer.
NOTE: If a student is voluntarily withdrawn in lieu of attending an alternative school/program, he/she must remain out of the Duval County Public Schools for one calendar year. If the student chooses to return to the Duval County Public Schools before the time has expired, he/she must complete the alternative school assignment before entering another public school in Duval County.
Alternative Education Centers/Programs
Mattie V. Rutherford alternative center will serve 4th through 8th grade students that exhibit minor chronic behaviors of the Code of Student Conduct. Students will be assigned to this alternative center for a period of 45 to 180 school days based on a profile of behaviors as follows:
Note: Students being referred to the Hearing Officer for violation of Multiple Infraction Rubrics must be referred to the District Student Option for Success Program (SOS) before a hearing packet may be submitted. Documentation from the school is required. (Teen Court is not an option for Multiple Infraction Rubric Violations)
Note: Students assigned to the Alternative Education Center during a school year will retain their special/magnet assignment from the sending school, if the student has completed their alternative assignment in the same school year. If a student’s attendance rolls over to the next calendar school year, the student will lose the special/magnet assignment and return to their home school.
1. Discipline Rubric Mattie V. Rutherford
a. When a student in grades 4th – 8th obtains the minimum threshold of 12 points based on a pattern of behavior specific to the Discipline Rubric, he/she may be referred to the Hearing Office.
b. Student may be assigned 45, 90, or 180 days to the Alternative Education Center when the minimum point’s threshold has been met. (12 Points does not constitute automatic assignment to the Alternative Education Center)
c. Students must receive a student intervention when they meet the 6-point threshold in the points matrix. Students will not be referred to the Hearing Office without documented Student Interventions during this process.
d. After completion of suspension days, students must return to school, while awaiting a hearing.
Students that continue disruptive behaviors at the Alternative Center that do not reach the level of expulsion may constitute that the student be given an alternative placement/setting for a period of 45 days up to 180 calendar days (This will be processed through the Hearing Office and the Executive Director of Student Discipline)
The rubric below is for Middle Schools Only
Code Description | Description | Rubric Weight |
|---|---|---|
Disruptive Behaviors | ||
1.01 | Disruption in Class | .50 |
1.03 | Disorder outside of class | .50 |
1.05 | Profanity | .2 |
2.05 | Intentional Threat of a School District Employee or Agent | 3 |
2.06 | Intentional Threat of a Student | 2 |
2.07 | Physical Attack of a Student | 3 |
2.08 | Dispute | 2 |
2.09 | Fighting (Mutual combat, mutual altercation) | 3 |
2.10 | Initiating a Fight | 3 |
2.11 | Fighting or striking another student on bus | 3 |
2.12 | Response to Physical Attack | 1 |
2.16 | Stealing | 2 |
2.22 | Obscene, Profane, or Offensive Language or Gestures directed to a School District Employee | 2 |
2.23 | Leaving School Grounds/Activity | 1 |
2.28 | Failure to adhere to safety consideration on bus | 1 |
2.31 | Unjustified Activation of bus emergency system | 2 |
Note: The Hearing Office will determine points for Level 3 Infractions
4. Code of Student Conduct Action Metric
When a student violates specific offenses outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, the progressive discipline occurrence will be used to determine action.
Note: Students who attend the Alternative Education Center will be assigned interventions/discipline when they violate the Code of Student Conduct while at Alternative School. Additional assigned time for the Alternative Center is not mandated by the Code of Student conduct for a student to return to school. When a student returns to his/her home school student discipline rubric returns to zero. Students who commit petty acts of misconduct may be referred to a school-based intervention program, these petty acts of misconduct are identified by the district pursuant to sections 1006.13(2)(c) F.S.
ALTERNATIVE CENTER DISCIPLINE MATRIX
Mattie V. Rutherford alternative center will serve 4th through 8th grade and Grand Park alternative center will serve 6th – 12th grade students. Students that exhibit behaviors outlined in the Code of Student Conduct at the alternative school will follow the following discipline progression plan:
Minor Violations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Offense | 1st Ocurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
1.01 – Disruption in Class 1.02 – Illegal Organization 1.03 – Disorder Outside of Classroom 1.04 – Tardiness 1.05 – Profanity 1.06 – General Code of Appearance 1.07 – Inappropriate Display of Affection 1.09 - Unauthorized Use Wireless Device | Teacher/Student Administrator Conference | Parent Contact by Phone or Conference 1-3 Days ISSP | 1-3 days ISSP/PBIS 3-5 days ISSP/PBIS or 1-3 days OSS (Other than attendance infraction) | 3-5 days ISSP/PBIS |
Disruptive Behaviors | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Offense | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
1.08 – Unauthorized Absence from Class 2.01 – Failure to Follow Directions 2.23 – Leaving School Grounds/Activity 2.25 – Refusal to Attend or Participate in Other Previously Assigned Discipline 2.32 – Gang Activity or Expression | Parent Contact by Phone or Conference | 1-3 Days ISSP/PBIS or 1-2 days OSS/ | 1-3 Days OSS | 7 days OSS (Multiple repeated occurrences may result referral to hearing office for additional assignment of days or alternative intervention) |
Intermediate Class II Behaviors | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Offense | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
2.02 – Use, Possession, Distribution, or Sale of Tobacco/Nicotine or Products 2.03 – Distribution, Possession, Sale or Purchase of Drug Facsimile Products 2.04 – Possession and/or Use of Matches or Lighters 2.13 – Use of a Device to Record a Fight or School Board Employee 2.15 – Premediated Use of a Device to Record a Fight 2.16 – Stealing of Use of Counterfeit Bills 2.17 – Possession of Stolen Property 2.18 – Teasing/Intimidation/Ridicule 2.19 – Trespassing 2.20 – Possession of Fireworks, Firecrackers, Smoke Bombs, or Flammable Materials 2.21 – Verbal Sexual Harassment 2.24 – False Information 2.26 – Inappropriate Use of Instructional Technology or an Electronic Device 2.27 – Gambling 2.29 – Cheating and/or Copying the Work of Others 2.30 – Extortion | Parent Contact by Phone or Conference 2.02 Refer to Vaping Course Vaping infractions will receive up to 20 additional days | 1-3 Day ISSP/PBIS | 3 Days ISSP or 1-3 day OSS | 3-to-5-day OSS (Multiple repeated occurrences may result in referral to hearing office for additional assignment of days or alternative intervention) |
Aggressive/Violent Behaviors | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Offense | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
2.07 – Intentionally Striking another Student 2.08 – Dispute 2.09 – Fighting (Mutual combat or altercation) 2.10 – Initiating a Fight 2.12 – Response to a Physical Attack (???) 2.22 – Directing Obscene, Profane, or Offensive Lang. or Gestures to SBE or Agent 2.33 Multi Participant Fight 3.12 – Striking of a Student, School District Employee or Agent causing Bodily Harm | 5-7 Days OSS Principal may request additional days from hearing office for violation of these level 3 infractions Fighting extended 45 Days Multi Participant fighting will result in up to 90 days additional assignment | 10 Days OSS Principal may request additional days to hearing office for violation of these level 3 infractions
Fighting extended 90 Days | 10 Days OSS and Refer to Hearing Office for Possible Expulsion Mattie V. Rutherford student may be referred to Grand Park for additional assignment per hearing officer and Alternative | 10 Days OSS and Refer to Hearing Office for Additional Assignment of Days or Possible Expulsion |
2.05 – Intentional Threat of a School District Employee or Agent 2.06 – Intentional Threat on a Student 3.20 – Repeated Threats Upon School District Employee, Student or Agent 3.23 - Trespassing | 3-5 Days OSS | 5 Days OSS | 10 Days OSS | 10 Days OSS and Refer to Hearing Office for Additional Assignment of Days or Possible Expulsion |
Drugs and Alcohol | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Offense | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
3.01 – Alcohol 3.02 – Drugs 3.27 – Drug/Alcohol Paraphernalia | 5-10 Day OSS Must complete Nighttime Program | 10 Day OSS | 10 Day OSS Refer to Hearing Office for Gateway Placement | |
Bus Violation | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Offense | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
1.10 – Failure to follow Instruction on School Bus 2.28 – Failure to Adhere to Safety Considerations on School Bus 2.31 – Unjustified Activation of Bus Emergency System while the bus is not moving. | 10 days Bus Suspension | 30 Day Bus Suspension | Bus Suspension for Remainder of School Year | |
2.11 – Fighting or Striking a student on a School Bus 3.15 – Unjustified Activation of Bus Emergency Systems while bus is moving | 30 Day Bus Suspension | Bus Suspension for Remainder of School Year | ||
Major Offenses Class III | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Offense | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
3.03 – Striking a School Board Employee 3.04 – Robbery (using force to take something) 3.05 – Stealing/Larceny/Theft 3.06 – Burglary of School Structure 3.07 – Vandalism 3.08 - Possession of Prohibited Substance or Objects 3.09 – Lewd, Indecent, or Offensive Behavior 3.10 – Physical Sexual Harassment 3.11 – Sexual Offenses 3.13 – Inciting or Participating in Major Student Disorder 3.19 – Major Dispute or Altercation 3.16 – Defamation of Character 3.17 – Stalking 3.21 – Bullying/Cyberbullying 3.22 – Sexual Assault 3.24 – Teen Dating Violence or Abuse 3.25 – Harassment 3.26 – Hazing | 10 Days OSS Principal may request additional days from the Hearing Office for violation of these level 3 infractions. 3.03/3.13/3.19/3.26 will receive an additional 90 days | 10 Day OSS Principal may request additional days from the Hearing Office for violation of these level 3 infractions. | 10 Day OSS and Refer to Hearing Office for Additional Assignment of Days or Possible Expulsion | 10 Day OSS and Refer to Hearing Office for Additional Assignment of Days or Possible Expulsion |
Zero Tolerance Offenses | |
|---|---|
Offense | 1st Occurrence |
All Class IV Violations | 10 Days OSS and referred to hearing office (possible expulsion) |
Note: Students who attend the Alternative Education Center will be assigned interventions/discipline when they violate the Code of Student Conduct while at Alternative School. Additional assigned time for the Alternative Center is not mandated by the Code of Student Conduct for a student to return to school. When a student returns to his/her home school student discipline rubric returns to zero. Alternative Centers must follow guidelines for students with disabilities.
Students that continue to violate the Code of Student Conduct and pose a threat to the safety and well-being of students and staff in the alternative setting may be assigned to 30-Day home learning through Grand Park or Mattie V. Rutherford. These assignments must be approved by the Executive Director of Student Discipline or the Hearing Officer.
Students with disabilities will follow the guidelines for students with disabilities process
If a student in the alternative school setting may be referred for expulsion for violations of the Code of Student Conduct, by the Hearing Officer, if the student poses a threat to the safety and wellbeing of students and staff in the alternative setting.