Blue River Valley Schools board adopts revised suspension and expulsion policy

The Blue River Valley Schools board voted to adopt policy C375 (suspension and expulsion) on its second reading, updating the district’s procedures for removing students from activities, programs or school. The board’s reading clarified who is covered, the circumstances that can trigger suspension or expulsion, and how appeals must be processed.

Board Member (Speaker 5) read the policy text and emphasized that the board “has voted not to hear any expulsion appeals,” explaining that, under the revised language, appeals must be filed with the county court. The policy specifies that a student may be suspended or expelled for misconduct or substantial disobedience occurring on school grounds or at school-related events, and, in some cases, for unlawful activity off school grounds when it interferes with school functions.

The policy also requires that students with disabilities be afforded procedural safeguards as required by law and directs the superintendent to develop a student code of conduct to implement the policy. The board discussed the provision and approved C375 after a motion and second; members signaled approval by voice vote.

The policy replaces a gap the district previously had and formalizes reporting and implementation steps: principals must report expulsions and second suspensions as required, and the superintendent will promulgate implementing procedures. The board noted that families retain the option of pursuing appeals in the county court as set out in the policy.

The action closes the policy revision process initiated with legal input; the board adopted C375 with no recorded opposing votes, and the policy will be posted with other board policies once finalized.