Elyria parent urges alternatives to out-of-school suspension, says repeated suspensions harm students

A father told the Elyria City Board of Education that his 17-year-old daughter has been suspended multiple times this year and asked the board to consider alternatives to short-term out-of-school suspensions, such as supervised community service or restorative programs.

Randy Lane said his daughter has been suspended about seven or eight times this year for infractions that resulted in one- to three-day suspensions. "When they suspend her they send her home to me to deal with," Lane said. He told the board that sending an older teenager home often provides no meaningful deterrent and that the family cannot impose additional consequences in the home.

Lane asked whether the district could require alternatives such as in-school work assignments, campus cleanups, or community service that would keep students engaged during the day rather than sending them home. He said he had discussed the matter with the principal but was told the options were limited and that the principal suggested Lane attend a board meeting to raise the issue.

The superintendent responded that the district has instituted some newer programs for skipping and similar issues and that she would "look into it." Board members and staff did not adopt a new discipline policy during the meeting, but the superintendent said she would research progressive alternatives and follow up with the parent.

Lane described specific cases he said included possession of marijuana the prior year and additional disciplinary placements this year; he said punishments that require parental attendance at school also impose burdens on working parents. The board directed staff to follow up and said administrators would review options for progressive discipline and supports for students.