Prince William County High School Students' Rights in Jeapordy

[Ann]

My son was caught purchasing drugs at school. Additionally, he intended to give some to a friend, so he's been "charged" with possession and intent to distribute, by the school. So far there have been no criminal charges, but I expect therre to be in the near future. We have attended the Principal's Hearing and are scheduled for a final hearing with the school administrators next week. I have since entered my son in an extensive, outpatient treatment program. The Principal's recommendation is for expulsion from Prince William County Schools. Period. My problem is that this is the first and only (major) incident that my son has EVER been involved in, since he entered school. He has had detention maybe 2-3 times, is always in school and until very recently, has always had average to above average grades. He is a 15 year old who was curious at the wrong place and time. If he does in fact get expelled from school all together, what are my options? I can't afford private schools and I don't have any (other) behavior issues with him, so I wouldn't send him to military school or anything like that. Is there any way I can prepare an appeal case, in a short period of time, that would convince these people NOT to throw away a good child's education or should I hire an attorney? "No child left behind" - doesn't that include my child as well? Didn't mean to be so long winded, but thank you to anyone who can offer a positive piece of advice.

Worried Mom in PWC

[able1]

You may appeal to the school board or even sue. You may also move to another nearby school district if need be. Permanent expulsion does seem a little extreme under the circumstances.

[Ann]

Thanks for your reply. I will appeal at the hearing. As I've been told, although I can move him into a new school district, they will pull his records from his current school, which could pose new issues... I requested a response from an attorney earlier..we'll see what happens. Thanks again for your reply.

I have a similar problem with expulsion from school. My daughter was truly wrong when she took a large kitchen knife to school because she felt threatened by 1 to 3 girls. The 1 main girl is about 5'9 and on the thick side. The other two girls were, I think, better friends with girl number 1. They were trying to get my daughter to the library without parent supervision to discuss the falling out of the friendship. As an adult I see set up. My true beliefs are that they were either going to geek my daughter up into fighting girl 1 or geek girl 1 to fight my daughter, which I believe that they would have a ll jumped her. She has not been in trouble before and they not only want to expel her from the school but from the district and the whole State. The State does have a zero tolerance . I put her into therapy the same day, because of her taking such drastic measures. The therapist said that it was because she felt bullied and did not weigh her options by telling an adult. I really can not afford an attorney because of unemployment. She was not doing that great in school because she was behind what the schools were teaching, but she began trying to improve. I can not afford private schools, if even allowed to attend. The therapist who works out of a different school system told me that she felt they were trying to railroad her. I asked the principal to expel her from his school but not the district. He said that that is his ruling. At a lost as to what to do. I could pull her out of school but the next school would have to have it's own ruling. I have been so depressed, thank GOD I'm not working because I would have to take a leave because of the situation's affects on me. Her father is in rehab for a back problem and he can not walk. The therapist said that my daughter did not want to put any more pressure on me.