Santee School Board suspends expulsion of student #: 03-2425 pending rehabilitation plan

The Santee School District Board of Education voted 4-0 on Oct. 22, 2024, to suspend the expulsion of student #: 03-2425 after a closed-session hearing under Education Code § 48918. Member Barbara Ryan moved to expel the student for violations of California Education Code § 48900(k) (disrupting school activities or defying school personnel) and § 48900(.7) (making terroristic threats); the motion was seconded and carried with four members voting aye and one member absent.

The Board made the expulsion immediately suspended and required the student to complete a Rehabilitation Plan by June 11, 2025. The plan requires placement at the Santee Success Program through June 11, 2025; maintenance of a minimum 2.0 GPA for scholarship, effort and citizenship; no new suspensions; regular attendance with no unexcused absences or tardies; 20 hours of community service with written verification; completion of a counseling program focused on decision-making and peer pressure; and letters of apology to Cajon Park Administration submitted to the Director of Pupil Services. A parent must meet with the Director of Pupil Services by Oct. 29, 2024, to review and sign the Rehabilitation Plan; the minutes state that failure to meet or sign could result in expulsion without further Board action.

The action was recorded in open session after the Board reconvened at 5:16 p.m.; the minutes list President Dustin Burns, Member Barbara Ryan, Member Dianne El-Hajj and Member/Clerk Elana Levens-Craig as the voting members and note Dr. Tim Glover as not present for the roll call. The minutes list the governing authority cited for the action as California Education Code § 48918 and Board Policy 5144.1 (Students: Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process and Administrative Regulations 5144.1).

The Board adjourned that session at 6:07 p.m. The minutes do not record public comment on this item.