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McLean County Unit District No. 5, along with students, paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators, and community members, is committed to restorative discipline as a way to improve student behavior and academic performance by focusing on repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than simply punishing misbehavior. Rooted in restorative justice, this philosophy emphasizes accountability, personal responsibility, and community, encouraging students to recognize the impact of their actions, take responsibility, and work to repair harm caused. The goal is to help students learn from mistakes, grow socially and emotionally, and build empathy while fostering a safe, inclusive school environment that ensures the safety and dignity of all, maintains a positive weapons-free and drug-free setting, secures property, addresses root causes of misbehavior, and teaches positive skills that prepare students to be independent, self-disciplined members of society.

When necessary, the school district will follow the established protocols for In-School Suspension, Out-of-School Suspension, Expulsions, and referrals to Alternative Education sites.

  • Procedures for In-School and Out-of-School Suspensions: Before a student is suspended In-School or Out-of-School, they have the right to a due process conference with the principal or designee.
  • Right to Appeal Out-of-School Suspensions: Students and families have the right to request a meeting with the principal to appeal an Out-of-School suspension, have a representative present, and address the administrator on the evidence and appropriateness of the suspension. Information concerning the appeal process is included on all suspension notices to parents/guardians.
  • Re-engagement of Returning Students: The Building Principal or designee shall meet with a student returning to school from an Out-of-School Suspension, expulsion, or
    alternative school setting. The goal of this meeting shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusion, or other extended absence related to a disciplinary action, and shall include an opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make up missed work for equivalent academic credit.
  • Expulsion from School: Expulsions from school shall be in accordance with Board Policy 7.210, Expulsion Procedures. Students who engage in gross disobedience or misconduct may be expelled from school for a definite time not to exceed two calendar years. During the period of expulsion, the student may not be on school grounds and may not attend or participate in any school activities.
  • Referrals to Alternative Education Sites: When a student is recommended for a referral to an alternative school, the school administrator must, at the time of making such a recommendation, give the student and the student’s parent/guardian written notice of the recommendation in a language they can understand. The statement should include a statement of the reasons for the recommended action. All recommendations should be forwarded to the Director of Student Services or the Director of Special Education for approval.

Regional Alternative School (RAS): The Regional Alternative School program has expanded to include programs at various locations throughout the region to meet the wide range of educational needs of at-risk students, grades 7 to 12. The program is available to any student residing in Dewitt, Livingston, Logan, and McLean County. To participate in the Alternative School program, a student must be officially enrolled in their Home School District and be referred by the administration of their Home School.

Central Illinois Bridge Academy: ROE #17 opened the Central Illinois Bridge Academy in Fall 2022 to begin serving students with internalizing mental health concerns at risk of hospitalization or returning from hospitalization. Designed with the specific intention to maintain small class sizes, low-capped attendance rates, and individualized plans to aid students not only in their academic efforts but also in their mental health needs, to successfully achieve a healthy transition and return to their school of origin.