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November 21, 2022
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN 49783
SPECIAL MEETING, BOARD OF EDUCATION
Phone 906/635-6609
Minutes – Monday, November 21, 2022
87. I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice President Galer called the meeting to order at 6:16 p.m. in the Sault Area Middle School, 684 Marquette Avenue.
88. A. ROLL CALL OF BOARD
Board Members Present: Melissa S. Pingatore, Jay D. Wilson, Caitlin L. Galer, Christine M. Curtis, Daniel L. Smith
Absent: Raymond J. DeWitt, Lisa A. Young
89. B. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
It was moved by Member Wilson, supported by Member Curtis, that the Board of Education adopt the agenda.
Yeas: Pingatore, Wilson, Galer, Curtis, Smith
Nays: None
Absent: DeWitt, Young
Motion Carried.
90. C. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
There was none.
91. D. APPOINTMENT OF HEARING OFFICER
It was moved by Member Smith, supported by Member Pingatore, that the Board of Education appoint Attorney Cathleen Dooley of Thrun Law Firm, P.C. to serve as the Board’s Hearing Officer for the disciplinary hearing conducted this evening for a student.
Yeas: Pingatore, Wilson, Galer, Curtis, Smith
Nays: None
Absent: DeWitt, Young
Motion Carried.
Ms. Dooley proceeded as Hearing Officer and indicated her role was to conduct an orderly and fair hearing.
OPEN SESSION
Upon inquiry from Ms. Dooley, Ms. France indicated her client wished the meeting to remain in open session.
Upon inquiry from Ms. Dooley, the student’s father confirmed Attorney Jennifer France was representing the family and he authorized her to sign the FERPA form.
The student and mother were not present.
Ms. Dooley confirmed Superintendent Amy Kronemeyer was representing district administration.
Ms. Dooley received confirmation there had not been any other hearings regarding this situation up to this point.
The Student’s father stated, his son would not be returning to the district.
The Board heard evidence as presented by Administration, the Student’s Attorney, and the Student’s father.
92. F. RESOLUTION
It was moved by Member Smith to suspend the Student/John Doe #3 22/23 until second semester with the stipulation he receive and successfully complete anger management services.
The motion failed for lack of support
Upon inquiry from the student’s father, Ms. Dooley indicated it was not uncommon for administration to recommend long-term suspension or expulsion after additional evidence is received and until the Board has a chance to meet.
It was moved by Member Smith, supported by Member Curtis, WHEREAS:
- The administration has recommended that, pursuant to Revised School Code Section 1310, a student whose identity is known to the Board (the “Student”) be expelled for physically assaulting another student at Sault Area High School.
- School administrators notified the Student’s parent/guardian of the specific charge underlying the disciplinary recommendation, as well as the date, time, and place of the disciplinary hearing.
- Pursuant to the request of the Student’s parent/guardian, and as authorized by Michigan Open Meetings Act Section 8(1)(b), MCL 15.268(1)(b), the disciplinary hearing was conducted in open session meeting of the Board.
- The hearing afforded the Student and the Student’s representatives an opportunity to respond to the charge and to present pertinent evidence for the Board’s consideration.
5. The Board has carefully considered all of the evidence produced in this student discipline hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. A preponderance of the evidence establishes that on October 6, 2022, the Student physically assaulted another student at school in violation of state law, Board Policy, and the Student Code of Conduct.
2. Based on careful consideration of all of the following factors, the Board determines that expulsion is warranted:
- The Student’s age;
- The Student’s disciplinary history;
- Whether the Student has a disability;
- The seriousness of the behavior;
- Whether the behavior posed a safety risk;
- Whether restorative practices are a better option; and
- Whether lesser interventions would address the behavior.
3. The Student is expelled until the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
4. During the time of the expulsion, the Student may not be on school grounds or attend any functions at the District without prior written approval from an appropriate administrator.
5. The Student may petition the board for reinstatement no sooner than June 1, 2023. Before reinstatement, the Student must do all of the following:
- demonstrate successful participation in an appropriate counseling program approved by the Superintendent or ordered by the juvenile court that includes both group and individual counseling;
- establish that the Student has not engaged in conduct during he period of expulsion that may be viewed by the Board as detrimental to the Student’s continued education at the District;
- complete to the satisfaction of the Board all recommendations contained in any psychological or counseling report;
- demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that the Student received educational instruction and cooperatively participated in an educational program during the period of expulsion;
6. Consistent with Revised School Code Sections 11a and 1311(1), the Board finds that the interests of the District are served by this resolution.
7. Administrators are directed and authorized to implement all terms of this resolution and are delegated all necessary authority to do so.
8. All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with provisions of this resolution be and the same are hereby rescinded.
Ayes: Melissa J. Pingatore, Caitlin L. Galer, Christine M. Curtis, Daniel L. Smith
Nays: Jay D. Wilson
Resolution declared adopted.
93. II. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board at 7:48 p.m., it was moved by Member Curtis, supported by Member Smith, that the meeting be adjourned.
Yeas: Pingatore, Wilson, Galer, Curtis, Smith
Nays: None
Absent: DeWitt, Young
Motion Carried.
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Raymond J. DeWitt, Board President
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Christine M. Curtis, Board Secretary
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Judy L. Sirk, Recording Secretary
