• Appeal Hearings

  • If your child faces a long-term suspension or expulsion, you have the right to appeal. There are two levels of appeal:

    • A hearing at the Superintendent level (with a panel of WCPSS staff and other participants)
    • A hearing before the WCPSS Board of Education

    Hearings will be held virtually or in-person at WCPSS Central Services, depending on the type of hearing. We are here to support you every step of the way.

    Superintendent-level appeal hearing

    Before the hearing

    • Plan to arrive or log in 30 minutes early for check-in.
    • You will meet with the Student Due Process hearing officer. The hearing officer will explain the process and answer questions.
    • If you plan to bring an advocate or an attorney, please notify the Office of Student Due Process at least three days before the hearing.

    Who will be present

    • Hearing officer from the Office of Student Due Process
    • The hearing panel (designated by the Superintendent)
    • School administrators
    • You and your child
    • Your advocate and/or attorneys for both parties (if applicable)

    During the hearing

    • Each side has up to one hour to share information and present witnesses.
    • The hearing respects privacy laws. Other students’ identities will remain confidential under FERPA.

    After the hearing

    • You will get a phone call with the panel’s decision within 24 hours.
    • A written decision letter will follow within five school days.

    Board-level appeal hearing

    If you appeal the Superintendent's panel’s decision, you may request a Board-level hearing by contacting the Office of Student Due Process.

    Before the hearing

    • Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
    • If you have an advocate or attorney, please tell the Office of Student Due Process as soon as possible.
    • You will meet with the Student Due Process hearing officer to review the process.

    Who may be present

    • Three-member panel from the Board of Education
    • Student Due Process hearing officer
    • Area Superintendent
    • School administrators
    • You and your child
    • Your advocate and/or attorneys for all parties (if applicable)
    • Special Education representative (if applicable)

    After the hearing

    A letter containing the Board of Education's decision will be mailed within 30 days of your request for appeal.

    Questions or support?

    Contact the Office of Student Due Process for help.

    Phone: (919) 533-7761
    Fax: (919) 694-7754
    Email: studentdueprocess@wcpss.net