EXPULSION APPEAL HEARING PROCESS
One of the duties and responsibilities of the Santa Cruz County Board of Education is to hear and rule on student expulsion appeals. Appeals are filed by a student’s parent or legal guardian.
This information should be reviewed in conjunction with the laws on student discipline and expulsion appeals within the California Education Code, §48900-48926. You should also review the school district’s policies and administrative procedures for suspension and expulsion. You are entitled to review the record of the school district’s administrative hearing and supporting records or documents. You have the right to consult with and engage the services of an advocate or an attorney.
Expulsion Handbook and Information
For more information on the process, please refer to the COE’s Expulsion Appeal Handbook. The Handbook constitutes the official procedures adopted by the County Board for conducting expulsion appeals. Below is more information on the available forms and documents.
Notice of Appeal Form
The Notice of Appeal must be filed within 30 calendar days from the date of the local board’s decision to expel, and the letter regarding this decision must be included. Appeals can only be received and processed by the County Office of Education between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. There is no extension of the deadline even if the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday. Once filed, an appeal hearing date will be scheduled within 20 school days (EDC 48919).
Representation/Consent Form
Submit this form to indicate that you will be represented by an attorney or non-attorney advocate and that you have consented to the release of records pertaining to your student, to this individual.
Record of Proceeding Request Form
Submit this form to the school district that ordered the expulsion of your student. It is your responsibility to submit this written request to the school district on the same day that the Notice of Appeal is filed to obtain a copy of the record of the proceeding, which includes written transcription of the hearing before the governing board, hearing officer, or administrative panel of the district.
Waiver of Timelines Request Form
This waiver is to be used only if a postponement of the hearing date is needed. If postponed, an appeal hearing will be rescheduled to a mutually agreeable date.
Waiver of Timelines Request Form
This waiver is to be used only if a postponement of the hearing date is needed. If postponed, an appeal hearing will be rescheduled to a mutually agreeable date.
Santa Cruz County Board of Education Policy 5144.3, Student Expulsion Appeals
This document explains in detail the rules and regulations governing the expulsion appeals to the Santa Cruz County Board of Education. Please review this document and keep it for your reference throughout the appeal process. The County’s Board Decision on the appeal shall be final and binding upon the student and upon the school district’s governing board.
If you have any questions or need further assistance preparing the appeal, please call Verenise Valentin, Assistant to the County Superintendent of Schools, at (831) 466-5900.