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Appendix C — Tribunal Procedures

This appendix provides plain-language definitions for all disciplinary offense categories used in the ECS Code of Conduct. Offense codes and level descriptions appear in the Disciplinary Offense Reference Table in Section 7.

This appendix summarizes the System Student Disciplinary Tribunal process. Full policy language appears in Section 7 of this handbook.

When a Tribunal Hearing Is Required

A hearing before the System Student Disciplinary Tribunal panel is required in either of the following situations:

  1. The principal recommends a suspension or expulsion longer than 10 school days
  2. A student is alleged to have committed assault or battery against a teacher or other school employee, if that employee requests a hearing

Before the Hearing

  • The student is suspended out-of-school while awaiting the hearing. This interim suspension may not exceed 10 school days.
  • The student and their parent or guardian receive written notice of the charges and the hearing.
  • If the interim suspension is later voided by the Tribunal, the student is shown as present and may make up all missed work.

The Hearing Process

The Tribunal panel will:

  1. Review evidence presented by the school and the student
  2. Determine whether a violation of the student Code of Conduct occurred
  3. Consider the student's academic record, disciplinary history, and the specific circumstances of the incident
  4. Issue findings and a recommended punishment to the Board of Education

The maximum punishment is permanent expulsion from the Emanuel County School System.

What the Tribunal Decides

Issue

Tribunal Authority

Guilt or innocence

Determined by the Tribunal based on evidence

Punishment

Recommended to the Board of Education

Return to school or program

Determined by the Tribunal

Participation in school activities

Determined by the Tribunal (GHSA-governed activities follow GHSA rules)

Alternative school eligibility

Determined by the Tribunal based on offense and bus discipline history

Transportation to Alternative school

Determined by the Tribunal

Students found guilty of violations involving weapons, drugs, alcohol, sex offenses, assault on school personnel, or bullying may not participate in any school activities — on or off campus — while assigned to alternative programs.

 

 

Physical Violence Against School Staff — Special Procedures

Finding

Consequence

Type I (insulting/provoking contact, no physical harm)

Tribunal recommends whether student may return; Board imposes punishment up to expulsion

Type II (contact causing physical harm)

Permanent expulsion; Board may allow application to Alternative school at its discretion

K–8, Type I

Board may permit re-enrollment in grades 9–12 at its discretion

K–5, Type II (no Alternative school for that grade)

Board may permit re-enrollment at its discretion

All students found guilty of physical violence against school staff are referred to Juvenile Court Services or the District Attorney's Office and reported to law enforcement.

Appeals

The Board of Education reviews Tribunal findings and recommendations. In any appeal to the Board, the Board may modify the punishment but will consider whether the Superintendent and/or Tribunal already evaluated a reduction and any rationale for denying one.

Tribunal Training

All Tribunal members and hearing officers must complete initial training before serving. Ongoing continuing education is required to continue serving in this capacity.