Long-Term Suspension Appeals

The Rochester Board of Education does not oversee short-term suspension appeals, student suspensions of five or less days. For short-term suspension appeals, you can appeal to the State Commissioner of Education within 30 days of receiving the Principal's short-term suspension decision at https://www.counsel.nysed.gov/appeals. 

Appealing a Long-Term Suspension 

Appealing a long-term suspension (LTS) means you disagree with the Superintendent’s Suspension Decision and would like to take your case to a higher level to ask them to reconsider the decision. Don’t be afraid to appeal, if you believe there was a problem with your hearing or if your rights were violated. 

In order to appeal a LTS, you must appeal to the Board of Education within 30 school days of receiving your Suspension Decision. A Request for Appeal must be received by the Board Clerk in writing. This correspondence can be completed using the Suspension Appeal Form, or a letter can be sent, which includes: student name, school, date of suspension, reason for appeal, requestor name, and contact information (phone, email, etc.). 

The record from your hearing, which includes a recording of the hearing and any evidence that was submitted, is the only evidence that can be considered for your appeal. You or your child will not be required to testify during this process. This is why it is very important for you to attend your hearing, communicate your evidence and ensure appropriate questions are asked during the hearing. 

Generally, appeals will be determined within 30 school days. The Board will render the Suspension Appeal Decision in writing. 

If you lose your LTS appeal, you can appeal again to the State Commissioner of Education within 30 days of receiving the Board of Education decision at https://www.counsel.nysed.gov/appeals. 

Please email SuspensionAppeal@RCSDK12.org to request the form in a language other than English or Spanish.

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