Tuscola BOE expels a student at special meeting Thurs.

By Kendra Hennis 
A special meeting of the Tuscola board of education was called to order at 7:01 p.m. on Thursday, September 10. All board members were present for the meeting. 

The board began by approving a motion to allow board president Cathy Mannen to preside over the special hearing. The board then voted to move into closed session to discuss student discipline provided guide ILCS120-2C9. Closed session began at 7:02 p.m. 

The board returned to open session at 7:27 p.m. Upon their return, board president Cathy Mannen said, “I move that student 21003 be found to have committed an act of gross disobedience or misconduct. Such that, an expulsion of a period of time not to exceed two calendar years is justified by the evidence.” The board unanimously agreed on the motion. At 7:28 p.m., the board returned to closed session to determine what, if any discipline might be appropriate. 

The board came back to open session at 7:45 p.m. From this session, Mannen stated, “I move to expel student number 21003 for the period of one calendar year, which shall be held in abeyance so long as the student is successfully attending an alternative education program determined by the superintendent.” The board unanimously voted yes to the motion. The board voted to approve the written decision for expulsion for student 21003. The board then voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m.