(At the top, where it says Taylor Hess Resolution Read more).
3/21/02
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Dr. Gene Buinger, Superintendent of Schools
The motivation of the District in this student discipline matter involving Taylor Hess is, and has always been, to provide a safe school environment for all the District’s students. The Hess family agrees with the District’s motivation to keep schools safe and appreciates the amicable resolution of Taylor’s discipline matter.
It was the District administration’s intent to recommend at the appeal hearing today that we adhere to the mandatory expulsion, as required by state law, but with regard to the length of that expulsion, which is discretionary, that we reduce the length of the discipline to time already served at the District Disciplinary Alternative Education Program. While reasonable minds can disagree about the student discipline law, the Hess family has agreed with the District administration’s recommendation. Therefore, there is no need for the hearing today.
Therefore, all parties have agreed that Taylor was officially expelled, as is required by state law, and the length of that expulsion has been reduced to the five days that Taylor has already served in the District’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, and Taylor will return to LD Bell High School tomorrow.
As per the District’s procedures, an expulsion to the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program does not appear on a student’s permanent record in any way.
The Hess family would like to thank the community for their interest and support of Taylor during this trying ordeal. The outpouring of support the family has felt has meant more than the community can imagine.
Likewise, the District appreciates the support it has received regarding its enforcement of laws and rules designed to protect the safety of all HEB students.