Erie school board hears recommendations to simplify expulsion process and track racial disparities

The Erie City School District on Tuesday heard recommendations aimed at reducing the use and racial disparities of expulsions and making the process less legalistic for students and families.

Amy Blackman, with the Crime Victim Center of Erie County, and Gautam McCushee, with the ACLU of Pennsylvania, presented findings and suggestions during the district's Committee of the Whole meeting, pressing the board and administration to rewrite communications, consider an independent hearing administrator, and ensure victims and witnesses receive clear notifications and access to services.

The speakers tied the proposals to district policy: the administration said it will draft a statement of philosophy on student expulsions to be incorporated into Board Policy 218, circulate a draft before the March meeting and begin a formal review of the expulsion process in April.

Why it matters: ACLU research presented to the board showed Erie's expulsion rates exceed county and state averages and disproportionately affect Black students. The presenters said exclusionary discipline is linked to worse academic and social outcomes and can conflict with the district's strategic goals for equity and graduation.

Details of the presentations

Amy Blackman told the board she reviewed the district's expulsion materials and recommended…