Board authorizes independent hearing officer process for student expulsions

Administrators presented background on the district’s use of an independent hearing officer for student expulsions, saying the model began in 2022 to streamline scheduling and preserve consistent adjudication. “Since 2022, the district has utilized an expulsion hearing officer format to hear student expulsions,” an administrator said, explaining that the board retains review authority within 30 days of an officer’s order.

A motion was made to authorize the appointment and contracting of independent hearing officers for the 2026–27 school year under state statute. Board members discussed the consistency benefits from the hearing‑officer model and noted that the board still receives and reviews any expulsion orders. The motion passed on a recorded voice vote; one board member asked whether the district would approve an individual name at this time and administration said staff would secure a qualified provider and return details if needed. No expulsions were on the agenda for the meeting itself.