6.3.5 Suspension Appeals

You can appeal a suspension on one or more of the reasons outlined below:

• Your child did not actually do what s/he was alleged to have done;
• The suspension was issued based on unsubstantiated personal conclusion or inference;
• The suspension was issued based on conclusion or inference outside of the observer's area of competence;
• There were no individuals who actually personally observed your child committing the violation;
• The suspension was issued in violation of any rights of your child, such as the right to be free from discrimination.
• The suspension was not appropriate under the Safe and Supportive Schools Resolution (e.g., suspension solely for defiance/disruption, for suspensions that are not mandatory or allowed by law for a first offense, the suspension was issued prior to documentation and use of alternatives to suspension).

 If the suspension is overturned all records of the suspension will be removed from your child's file. Your child will still need to serve the suspension while the appeal is being heard.  To file an appeal, you can write a letter to the Assistant Superintendent for your school with your child's name, birthdate and school; the suspension date and reason for the suspension; and an explanation of the reason(s) above support your appeal.

Alternatively, you can fill out an Appeal of Suspension form that can be accessed on the SFUSD website or can be mailed or emailed to you by your school.  The Asst. Superintendent will contact you within 30 days of submission of your letter/form, and will then decide whether to uphold or overturn the suspension. You will have the right to appeal this decision to the Board of Education within 30 days of the decision if you are not satisfied with the resolution.

Suspension Appeals must be filed within one year of the suspension.