School Expulsion Measure 021210 (audio)

Air Date:02/12/2010

By Eryn Clement

A bill that provides a conditional re-entry process for students who are expelled from school has passed the State House. Proponents say the bill accommodates students and the school while opponents say it defeats the purpose of expulsion.

Expelling a student costs approximately three to four thousand dollars for a school district. House bill 1129 aims to alleviate the expense of reoccurring costs when expelling students. The measure says if an offending student is approved to go back into a school system before their completed expulsion time, the student must adhere to a list of requirements when they return to school. Requirements range from drug and alcohol counseling to anger management classes. Supporters of the bill say in the past, students who are allowed back in school don’t have to follow any criteria and often are expelled all over again. But opponents strongly disagree with the measure. Jim Bolin says discipline has slowly diminished in schools and this bill sends the message that its not important.

“What this bill allow is the further statement by this legislative body that discipline and order in schools can take secondary position,” says Bolin.

Despite some strong objection, the bill passed and now moves to a Senate committee.

Member stations can download the audio file here.

Get the Flash Player to see this video.