Board approves impartial hearing officer for student expulsions

The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees voted unanimously Oct. 22 to authorize the use of an impartial hearing officer to manage student expulsion proceedings.

Head of School Chris Sandford and Dean of Student Affairs Karin Hughes presented the recommendation, saying the change would help the school comply with strict notification and hearing timelines and better accommodate special-education protections. They told trustees that offering daytime hearings could improve equitable access for families and allow witness testimony to be heard during the school day. The proposal included a handout describing which incidents would be handled by a stipulated agreement, by an impartial hearing officer, or by a traditional Board hearing.

Trustee Robert McGinn moved the measure and Trustee Matthew Rich seconded. The motion — "To approve the use of an impartial hearing officer for expulsion hearings, as discussed at the October 22, 2024, Board of Trustees meeting. The hearing officer shall report to the Board annually." — passed unanimously. The minutes state the Board agreed the expulsion committee would meet the recommended officer and that the officer’s term would be renewed annually. The presenters estimated the new model would cost less than the current process but provided no detailed cost breakdown in the meeting record.

The Board’s action establishes a formal reporting requirement: the hearing officer is to report to the Board annually. The minutes do not list individual roll-call votes or a vote tally beyond "unanimous."