The PCSD and the institutions under its jurisdiction shall have authority to control the conduct of students under its general power to provide for control and management of the school system. It is the duty of the Pickens BOE to make necessary rules and policies to regulate student conduct for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline in the schools including bus stops. The Pickens BOE has a responsibility to provide protection for students and employees and to maintain a safe, orderly environment for education to take place.

Administrative authority to take disciplinary action also extends to any off-campus behavior of a student which could result in the student being criminally charged with a felony, and which makes the students continued presence at school a potential danger to persons or property at the school or which disrupts the educational process. Said action may include, but is not limited to, short- or long-term suspension, expulsion, and/or assignment to an alternative school.

School officials shall contact proper authorities to verify any and all allegations that a student has been arrested or charged. The superintendent and staff shall cooperate with the probation office or courts in order to allow for that office to conduct a proper investigation. If the matter involves a juvenile, the superintendent and staff shall cooperate with the Juvenile Court concerning the student’s conduct and record in school.

Any suspension, expulsion, or exclusion from enrollment under this policy shall not waive the student’s rights to a due process hearing as set out in board policy relating to suspension or expulsion.

[LEGAL REF.: Georgia Constitution, Art. VIII, Sec. V, Par. I STATE REF.: Georgia Board of Education Rule JCDAD 160-5-3-.13 State Standards B 1 (1a. 23)] O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.5]