Butte School District
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STUDENTS
Suspension & Expulsion
I. DISTRICT AUTHORITY
Students are responsible for complying with the policies, rules, and regulations of the District while
they are under the supervision of school personnel during the school day, while they are in school
building or on school grounds, while they are on their way to and from school, while they are
engaged in or attending extra-curricular activities or events, and while they are on a school
sponsored trip. Failure to comply with the District’s policies, rules, and regulations shall constitute
sufficient cause for discipline, which may include suspension or expulsion. Students normally
should not be suspended or expelled unless other forms of corrective action or punishment have
failed. However, suspension or expulsion may be imposed if a student’s presence at school poses a
danger to him/herself, to another person or to property, or if the student’s misconduct is serious
enough to warrant suspension or expulsion. The District will provide students with the procedural
rights required by law.
A student with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] rights may be suspended for 10
school days or less cumulative during a school year in the same manner as any student.
Students with rights under IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may only be suspended
or expelled according to the terms and procedures of those Acts.
II. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply:
1. “Suspension” is the exclusion of a student from school for a period of time not to exceed
ten school days, after which the student has a right to return to school. A principal, vice
principal, or dean may suspend.
Upon a finding by a school administrator that the return to school by a pupil after 10
school days would be detrimental to the health, welfare, or safety of others or would be
disruptive of the educational process, a pupil may be suspended for one additional
period not to exceed ten (10) school days. The pupil must be offered the opportunity for
an informal hearing with the school administrator prior to the additional suspension.
2. “Expulsion” is a removal of a pupil for more than twenty (20) school days without the
provision of educational services. Expulsion is a disciplinary action available only to the
Board of Trustees.
3. “In-school corrective action” constitutes all other forms of discipline, including brief
in-school suspension from class or exclusion from any activity conducted by or for the
District. In-school corrective action shall not adversely affect academic grades for
students in grades K-12, attendance or graduation requirements, as long as a student
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successfully completes all required school work within the time limits established by
the student’s teachers.
Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. 1400, et seq.
20 U.S.C 794
§ 20-4-302, MCA
§ 20-4-402, MCA
§ 20-5-105, MCA
§ 20-5-106, MCA
§ 20-5-201, MCA
§ 20-5-202, MCA
20 CFR 300.530 & 534
Policy History:
Adopted on: 10/18/04
Revised on: 05/17/10
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Discipline and punishment of pupils –
definition of corporal punishment – penalty –
defense
Duties of district superintendent or county high
school principal
Attendance officer – powers and duties
Truancy
Duties and sanctions
Suspension and expulsion