MD SCHOOLS: Expulsion & Suspension - Last Resort? - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

MARYLAND - Maryland schools start up in just about 2 weeks. With that, big changes may also be on the horizon, in terms of "discipline policies".

The Maryland State Board of Education recently released a report with proposed amendments which could make traditional suspensions and expulsions a thing of the past. The report is the result of a 2 year study which found students, to be college and career ready, need to be "in school".

Wicomico County Superintendent, Dr. John Fredericksen tells WMDT, "We're willing to work with it. We're interested in looking at that. We do see some issues. We see disproportion. We see too many of our young children of color and of poverty are getting in the discipline system and not having the success side of the ledger."

Which is why the state proposes looking at suspension and expulsion only as "a last resort" and that schools must somehow provide those students with education services, allowing them to return to school, hopefully increasing their higher education opportunities.

"You never know when they get that boost," admits one Salisbury parent, on board with the idea. "It might change them for the better."

But others have misgivings, like Salisbury parent, Eileen Waddell. "Today, you know there's such a variety of offenses," explains Waddell. "There's arguments in the hallways, and it escalates to guns being brought into schools. So, it all depends on the offense. I really think it does."

And these state guidelines leave a lot up to the individual local school systems to figure out, which Dr. Fredericksen admits might be a good thing considering not all school systems operate alike, but he does have concerns. "Do we create yet one more specialized staff person," asks Dr. Fredericksen, "for whom there is no money?"

The Board expects to vote on and adopt the regulations within 3-4 months, following the State review process, and a 30-day public comment period.

If you would like to take a look at this report, CLICK HERE. We also want to know what you think of these proposed changes. Head to our WMDT 47 NEWS Facebook page, and let us know.