Readmission Application Process

Application

The readmission process is different from and does not replace the appeal process. Students who have been suspended or expelled may make a written request for readmission to the district at any time. If a student desires to be readmitted at the school from which he/she has been suspended/expelled, the student will submit a written application to the principal, who will recommend admission or non-admission. If a student wishes admission to another school, he/she will submit the written application to the Superintendent. The application will include:

  • The reasons the student wants to return and why the request should be considered;
  • Any evidence that supports the request; and
  • A supporting statement from the parent or others who may have assisted the student.

The Superintendent will advise the student and parent of the decision within seven (7) school days of the receipt of such application..

Reengagement Meeting

The reengagement process is distinct from a written request for readmission. The engagement meeting is also distinct from the appeal process, including an appeal hearing, and does not replace an appeal hearing. The district must convene a reengagement meeting for students with a long-term suspension or expulsion.

Before convening a reengagement meeting, the district will communicate with the student and parent(s) to schedule the meeting time and location. The purpose of the reengagement meeting is to discuss with the student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) a plan to reengage the student. The reengagement meeting must occur:

  • Within twenty (20) calendar days of the start of the student’s long-term suspension or expulsion, but no later than five (5) calendar days before the student’s return to school; or
  • As soon as reasonably possible, if the student or parents request a prompt reengagement meeting.

Reengagement Plan

The district will collaborate with the student and parents to develop a culturally-sensitive and culturally-responsive reengagement plan tailored to the student’s individual circumstances to support the student in successfully returning to school. In developing a reengagement plan, the district must consider:

  • The nature and circumstances of the incident that led to the student’s suspension or expulsion;
  • As appropriate, students’ cultural histories and contexts, family cultural norms and values, community resources, and community and parent outreach;
  • Shortening the length of time that the student is suspended or expelled;
  • Providing academic and nonacademic supports that aid in the student’s academic success and keep the student engaged an on track to graduate; and
  • Supporting the student parents, or school personnel in taking action to remedy the circumstances that resulted in the suspension or expulsion and preventing similar circumstances from recurring.

The district must document the reengagement plan and provide a copy of the plan to the student and parents. The district must ensure that both the reengagement meeting and the reengagement plan are in a language the student and parents understand.

Exceptions for Protecting Victims

The district may preclude a student from returning to the student’s regular educational setting

following the end date of a suspension or expulsion to protect victims of certain offenses as follows:

  • A student committing an offense under RCW 28A.600.460(2), when the activity is directed toward the teacher, shall not be assigned to that teacher’s classroom for the duration of the student’s attendance at that school or any other school where the teacher is assigned; A student who commits an offense under RCW 28A.600.460(3), when directed toward another student, may be removed from the classroom of the victim for the duration of the student's attendance at that school or any other school where the victim is enrolled. Additional information regarding school discipline can be found in Policy and Procedure 3241 and 3241P.