Tempe board affirms hearing officer's recommendation for long-term suspension of student

The Tempe Elementary School District governing board voted to affirm a hearing officer's recommendation to impose a long-term suspension on student Simone M. Randolph through May 28, 2026, or alternatively place the student at Evans alternative schooling.

An unnamed board member moved: "I move that the governing board affirm the recommendation of the hearing officer to long term suspend student Simone m Randolph through 05/28/2026 or place her at Evans alternative schooling. After finding that Zimone m Randolph received appropriate due process, the policy JKD was followed in all substantive respects, and that a long term suspension or alternative placement is an appropriate consequence for her misconduct." The board discussed the student's multiple addresses and members expressed concern about the seriousness of the conduct described in the hearing record (including throwing and knocking computers and an incident involving a teacher). A board member said they would have preferred expulsion but acknowledged the hearing officer followed the applicable process and recommended long-term suspension or alternative placement.

The motion carried on a voice vote. The board recorded that due process requirements had been met and that suspension or alternative placement was an appropriate disciplinary outcome under policy JKD.

The board did not provide further public detail about the underlying investigation in open session beyond what appears in the hearing record that was before the board. No additional appeal action was announced during the meeting.