The information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal advice.
The following contains excerpts from Connecticut General Assembly, Office of Legislative Research Report # 2002-R-0849.
Connecticut Department of Education’s web link regarding “Discipline in Schools” – https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Discipline-in-Schools/How-To
EXPULSION PROCESS
The process and criteria for expelling students from public schools is governed by state law. Visit the Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries webpage for the law and miscellaneous other resources, Connecticut Law About School Law
EXPULSION CRITERIA
EXPULSION DURATION
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION DURING EXPULSION
The school board must offer an alternative educational program to an expelled student under age 16 during his/her expulsion period. It must also offer an alternative educational program to any student between ages 16 and 18 who is expelled for the first time, unless the expulsion is for carrying a dangerous weapon or selling or distributing illegal drugs on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity. Eligible students between 16 and 18 must be offered an alternative educational program only if they comply with the school board’s conditions. Boards do not have to offer alternative programs to expelled students who have turned 18, unless they are special education students. All special education students must be offered an alternative educational program consistent with their educational needs until they are 21.
In determining whether a student over age 16 is being expelled for the first time, the board must count any expulsions imposed on the student before he/she turned 16. The board’s alternative education program for a student between 16 and 18 can include placement in an adult education program.
When a school board notifies a student between the ages of 16 and 18, or his/her parents, that it will hold an expulsion hearing, the notice must state that the board of education is not required to offer an alternative educational program to any student found to have carried a dangerous weapon or sold or distributed illegal drugs on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity.
STUDENTS EXPELLED BY ANOTHER DISTRICT
A school board may adopt another district’s expulsion decision if it holds its own hearing on whether the conduct for which the other district expelled the student would also lead to expulsion under its own policies. The student is not permitted to attend school in the new district while the hearing is pending.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EXPULSIONS AND UTILIZING RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION IN SCHOOLS FOR DISCIPLINE ISSUES:
**CT Compilation of School Discipline Laws and Regulations –
OR contact your local board of education, or the Connecticut State Department of Education.
TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service name: School Districts
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SOURCES: Connecticut General Assembly, Office of Legislative Research Report # 2002-R-0849; Connecticut General Statutes § 10-233d; Connecticut State Department of Education; Connecticut Judicial Law Libraries website
PREPARED BY: 211/jm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: November2023