The proposed legislation fulfills the commitment, made during the last election campaign, to set clear standards of behaviour, mandatory consequences for serious infractions and to give principals the authority to expel students and teachers the authority to suspend students. Currently, only school boards can expel and only principals can suspend students. If passed, the Act would be implemented in stages, starting this September. Strict discipline and alternative programs would be provided for expelled students, so they can continue their education and get the help they need to earn re-entry into the regular school program. The legislation would also require that all school boards provide programs for suspended students.
School boards maintain their authority to expel students.
Principals would be able to expel students for up to one school year. Provisions would be in place for a review or appeal of an expulsion. A number of strict discipline schooling programs would be available for expelled students. All school boards would be required to set policies that ensure supports are in place to help suspended students return and succeed in the regular school program. More strict discipline programs would be available for expelled students and more alternative schooling programs for suspended students.