Committee advances amended suspension and expulsion policy; expungement language tied to state law

The Stamford School District Policy Committee voted unanimously to forward an amended suspension and expulsion policy (Policy 51‑31) that updates expungement language to reflect recent state law.

District staff member Chris told the committee the policy language “is taken directly from the state statute” and noted the statute went into effect on 07/01/2025. He said the law requires the district to expunge certain suspension records upon graduation and permits expungement of some suspensions under defined circumstances, while expulsions are generally handled the same way except for expulsions tied to possession of firearms or other specified dangerous instruments.

Why it matters: the language governs how and when disciplinary records—suspensions or expulsions—are removed from student files, which affects students’ records and future prospects. The committee discussed exceptions and the scope of expungement.

Dr. Hammond pressed for clarity on the list of disciplinary behaviors and whether serious incidents could be automatically expunged. He listed behaviors that can lead to disciplinary action — including bullying, hazing and incidents involving lasers on buses — and asked whether those items should appear in the policy. Chair and staff pointed the committee to section G‑7 of the policy, which specifies that expungement applies mainly to first‑time suspensions or cases where a student has not been expelled and clarifies statutory exceptions.

After discussion, the committee voted to forward the amended policy to the board consent agenda; the motion carried unanimously among members present. The item will appear on the next regular board meeting consent agenda.