Section 8-19-8 - Suspension(a) Whenever a principal or designee has reason to believe that a student has engaged in activity warranting the imposition of suspension, the principal or designee shall immediately conduct an investigation of the incident. Upon completion of the investigation and findings, the student may be suspended if the principal or designee finds that the findings are sustained. The principal or designee shall inform the parent in writing of the findings and the disciplinary actions.(b) If the student or parent denies the charge(s), the principal or designee shall indicate to the student and parent what evidence school authorities have to support the findings of the school official. The student or parent, or both shall be given an opportunity to present the student's version of the incident. However, where the student is unable to understand the seriousness of the charges, the nature of the proceedings, and consequences thereof, or is of such age, intelligence or experience as to make meaningful discussion difficult, the principal or designee shall request that the parent be present to participate in the discussion.(c) If the total number of days in any single semester for suspensions exceeds ten school days, the due process procedures of this chapter shall apply unless otherwise indicated by law.(d) The parent shall be given verbal notice of any suspension regardless of its length. Prior notice for suspension shall be by telephone, if feasible, and the written notice personally delivered or mailed to the parent upon completion of the investigation. The suspension notice shall contain the following written statements: (1) Allegations of the specific acts committed by the student that form the basis of the suspension;(2) The allegations of the specific acts that were substantiated;(3) A statement of the disciplinary action(s); and(4) A statement of a conference date, time, and place offered by the school administration to meet with the parent. A copy of the notice shall be mailed to the complex area superintendent. In addition to the notice required by this subsection, the principal shall attempt to confirm the notice by telephoning the parent.
[Eff 9/1/82; am and ren § 8-19-7, 5/23/86; am and comp 7/19/93; comp 5/19/97; am and comp 2/22/01; am and comp 9/10/09] (Auth: HRS § 302A-1112) (Imp: HRS § 302A-1112)