Committee tables expulsion-policy revision after members identify wording that conflicts with state language

The committee tabled proposed revisions to policy JDE (expulsion) after members identified what they described as contradictory language regarding marijuana possession and mandatory expulsions. Staff explained that changes effective Aug. 1, 2025, reduce mandatory expulsions for firearms, knives and drugs from four semesters to two semesters for students in grades 6–12, and that marijuana possession is treated differently: the statutory text cited in the proposed policy indicates expulsion is not required for a first offense involving marijuana or its derivatives unless the statute allows recommendation under separate language. Committee members noted language in the draft that appears to both bar and permit expulsion on first offenses for marijuana, and they asked administration to seek clarification from Forethought (the policy vendor/legal reviewer). A motion to table and refer the item back to Forethought for clarification was made and seconded; the committee voted to table the policy revision pending Forethought’s guidance.