Bedford school board reviews discipline rule changes

BEDFORD — The Bedford County School Board reviewed a proposed policy Thursday that, if approved, would alter the division’s student discipline procedures.

Superintendent Douglas Schuch could suspend students for up to 180 school days under the new policy.

The change would also allow the eight-member school board, which currently reviews discipline cases, the option of assigning three members to serve on a committee to consider all expulsion recommendations. The committee would make a final decision rather than recommending action, Schuch said, and appeals could only be heard if the ruling is split.

Only a board or committee consisting of board members can expel a student.

Schuch said the proposal offers more “flexibility” in reviewing cases. Ryan Edwards, division spokesman, said the board has been inundated with discipline matters this school year.

“One of the benefits to this is it allows the superintendent or designee to be consistent in the suspensions so the ones that would come to you would be very serious,” Schuch said to board members.

Board members are set to consider adopting the policy Dec. 10.In other business:

Edward Hoisington, director of technology and media, said a new online student information system called PowerSchool’s Parent Portal will launch later this month. It serves to provide access to “up-to-the-minute” grades and attendance. Hoisington said the system is accessible through an Internet connection on any computer. A tutorial of the feature is available at http://www.bedford.k12.va.us/.