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Generally, they saw a need to hasten the appeal process. And although they agreed that weapons should be kept out of school, they disagreed over whether a progressive discipline policy is better than one that calls for automatic long-term suspension or expulsion for the slightest offense.

The rules ban students from possessing weapons on school grounds and at school-sponsored events. In elementary schools, principals may recommend the length of a suspension and conditions for re-admission to school for violators. In the upper grades, the student must be suspended for a semester or expelled. A student found in possession of a gun is expelled for one year.

At [Carlesa R. Finney]'s suggestion, the board last week asked school officials and lawyers to draft an explanation to parents of their rights in the suspension / expulsion and appeals process.