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Washington Unified updates e‑bike rules and suspension/expulsion procedures; trustees emphasize restorative practices and staff training
Summary
Trustees reviewed and adopted administrative regulation changes to address electric bicycles/scooters on campuses and a state‑guided update to suspension/expulsion procedures that adds definitions for online impersonation and burn pages, requires individualized rehabilitation plans for expelled students, and encourages restorative practices.
The Washington Unified School District board reviewed two policy packages that change on‑campus rules for electric bikes and update suspension and expulsion procedures to reflect new state guidance on online misconduct and rehabilitation.
E‑bike and safe‑routes update: Staff proposed clarifications to AR 5142.2 to define electric bicycle classifications and to limit use of higher‑powered devices on elementary and middle school campuses. Under the recommended language, only class‑1 pedal‑assist electric bicycles and non‑motorized scooters may be stored on campus in designated areas; class‑2 e‑bikes and motorized scooters are prohibited for younger students. Trustees asked for minor wording edits (e.g., replacing “electronic” with “electric”) and requested a clear joint communication plan with local law enforcement around enforcement and safety guidance.
Student discipline changes: District counsel and administrators presented an updated administrative regulation and mirror board policy on suspension and expulsion that incorporate recent state requirements. Key changes include:
- Expanded definitions for electronic acts: the AR now defines "credible impersonation," "false profile" and "burn page" (targeted online pages created to intimidate), and clarifies when electronic conduct may justify suspension/expulsion. - Documentation and alternatives: principals must document “other means of correction” used before suspending a student and consider restorative practices for incidents of racist bullying or harassment. - Rehabilitation plans and readmission: when a governing board orders expulsion it must recommend a written rehabilitation plan tailored to the individual student, set timelines and provide support to access required opportunities. The district must set a readmission review date no later than 45 calendar days before the end of the expulsion period and should not deny readmission solely for a student’s inability to complete the plan due to transportation or financial barriers.
Board reaction and next steps: Trustees emphasized the need for clear staff training, parent communications and processes that make restorative practices a real alternative rather than a formality. Dr. Burns noted the district will run principal training and provide materials so classroom and site staff understand the new definitions and procedural steps. Trustees asked for a plan to notify staff and families and to clarify reporting and escalation pathways when cyber incidents are reported.
Context: The discipline updates reflect a broader state push to narrow suspensions for discretionary offenses and to ensure readmission pathways and supports for expelled students. The e‑bike policy change responds to growing safety concerns around higher‑powered electric devices near young students.
Sources: Presentation by Dr. Burns and policy subcommittee discussion at the board meeting.
