New law allows Ohio school kids to be expelled for longer period

Source: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com
A newly enacted Ohio law significantly extends the length of time superintendents can expel students for serious infractions. While school leaders argue the change is necessary to ensure safety and address complex mental health issues, legal advocates raise concerns about the potential disproportionate impact on marginalized students.
Under the previous law, students could be expelled for up to 80 days. The updated law now permits expulsions lasting up to 180 days for actions posing “imminent and severe endangerment” to others in the school. This expanded timeframe allows schools to address serious offenses and related mental health challenges, but some worry it could adversely affect students of color, those living in poverty, and students with disabilities or mental health issues.
The law includes safeguards to ensure continued education during expulsion. Schools must create an education plan for expelled students—within 10 days for those with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and within 15 days for others. Shannon Cox, superintendent of Montgomery County Educational Services Center, emphasized the importance of keeping students connected to learning and preparing for a smooth reintegration into the school community.
“This law ensures expelled students aren’t simply left at home without educational opportunities,” Cox said. “It’s about sitting down with families and planning a path forward.”
Advocates remain concerned about potential inequities in how the law is applied, underscoring the need for careful oversight to avoid harm to vulnerable student populations.
Read more of the story here: https://ohio.childreninfobank.com/safebank/new-law-allows-ohio-school-kids-to-be-expelled-for-longer-period/
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