Section 53.05 - Alternatives to Suspension under M.G.L. c. 71, Section 37H3/4In every case of student misconduct for which suspension may be imposed, a principal, headmaster, superintendent or other person acting as a decision-maker at a student meeting or hearing shall first consider ways to re-engage the student in learning; and shall not use suspension from school as a consequence until alternative remedies have been tried, and documented, except as follows:
(a) where said decision-maker documents specific reasons why alternative remedies are unsuitable or counterproductive; or(b) where the student's continued presence in school would pose a specific, documentable concern about the infliction of serious bodily injury or other serious harm to another person while in school. Alternative remedies may include, but are not limited to, the use of evidence-based strategies and programs such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and collaborative problem solving.Adopted by Mass Register Issue 1264, eff. 7/4/2014.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1299, eff. 7/4/2014.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1506, eff. 10/13/2023.