LIVERMORE FALLS — A Spruce Mountain High School student will not be suspended or expelled for bullying, the RSU 73 board decided last Thursday following a two-hour closed session.

Instead he will be required to follow a list of mandates. If any are violated, the board will again hold a disciplinary hearing.

The findings of the closed session showed that the student had engaged in bullying and harassment and showed no remorse for his actions until very recently. The statement also said that evidence exists that would allow suspension for the rest of the school year.

To remain in school, he is required to display no incidents of unacceptable behavior such as bullying, uncooperativeness, slurs or rudeness. He is also required to maintain his studies and to be respectful of staff and teachers.

Further, he is required to take part in counseling on a regular basis.

“Should any of the listed behaviors take place, or for other good reasons determined by the administration, Student X will be referred back to the School Board to consider lifting the stay and implementation of suspension for the remainder of the school year,” according to the findings.

Superintendent Robert Wall said this is the first disciplinary hearing of the current school year.

The board voted unanimously, with a motion by Jay representative Shari Ouellette, for the conditions.

Absent were board members Vicki McLeod, Michael Morrell and Jackie Knight.

Copy the Story Link