FCPS hearing

[Anonymous]

My son has been accused of a serious violation of the rules and will have some type of hearing. I am looking for recommendations for advocates or attorneys to help us through this process. Thank you for any suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Alene Sprano

[Anonymous]

OP, if you are talking about being suspended and referred for a discipline hearing, here is parental information on the Hearings process in FCPS (https://www.fcps.edu/department/hearings-office)

"A Parent's Guide to Student Discipline Hearings
My child has a hearing before the Division Superintendent…

Referral to the Division Superintendent means a principal has submitted a disciplinary packet to the Division Superintendent due to a serious disciplinary infraction, and a hearing officer will be considering whether the student will remain at his or her school, be suspended long-term, reassigned, or referred to the School Board for the possible expulsion of the student.

Expulsion means a student is not permitted to attend any school within the school system for 365 calendar days. Only the School Board can expel a student. The School Board may permit an expelled student to attend an alternative educational setting during the expulsion.

Long-Term Suspension means a student is not permitted to attend school for 11-45 school days. However, if the student’s misconduct involves a statutory weapon, illegal drugs, serious bodily injury, or aggravating circumstances, the student may be suspended from school for up to 364 calendar days.
Reassignment means a student is removed from his or her school and assigned to an alternative educational setting.

Exclusion means a student may be denied entry into FCPS if the student has been expelled or suspended from school for more than thirty days by a different public school system or a private school.

Why a Hearing?
A student referred to the Division Superintendent, or recommended for exclusion or reassignment, has a right to a hearing before the Superintendent’s Hearing Officer(s). After the hearing, you will receive a letter from the Hearings Office informing you of the decision.

Who Attends the Hearing?
It is important that both you and your child attend the hearing so that your child has an opportunity to provide his or her version of the incident. Your child’s principal and/or assistant principal typically would attend. The principal may also have the school resource officer or other school personnel attend. You are allowed to bring additional adults to the hearing."

--> The SR&R would be a good place to start to understand the consequences of your son's actions (it can be found on the fcps website). Also, as a reminder, students review and sign an agreement to follow the SR&R at the beginning of the school year. Good luck, OP.