An expulsion hearing feels like a court, but it is not a criminal court. It is a school proceeding with its own rules and a record that will follow your child.
Board or board panel pattern — California and Illinois. In California, the hearing is held before the governing board, a hearing officer, or an administrative panel under Education Code §48918(d). The hearing must be held within 30 school days of the determination that the student violated §48900, under §48918(a). In Illinois, expulsion may be ordered only after the parents have been asked to appear at a meeting of the board or with a hearing officer appointed by it, under 105 ILCS 5/10-22.6(a). That request must be sent by registered or certified mail stating the time, place, and purpose.
Superintendent hearing pattern — New York. For a suspension of more than five school days, the student and the person in parental relation must have a fair hearing on reasonable notice, with rights to counsel, to question witnesses, and to present evidence, under Education Law §3214(3)(c)(1). The superintendent decides.
Board or designee pattern — Texas and Florida. In Texas, before an expulsion under §37.007, the board or its designee must provide a hearing, invite the parent in writing, and consider the §37.001(a)(4) factors, including self-defense, under §37.009(f). In Florida, the superintendent must give written notice of charges and due process rights under §1006.08(1), and the board acts on the recommendation.
Read the notice line by line. A usable notice tells you:
California spells much of this out. Under §48918(b), written notice must be sent at least 10 calendar days before the hearing, by certified mail or personal service, and must state the facts, charges, and hearing rights, including the right to inspect and copy documents and to confront and question witnesses.
If your notice is vague, say so in writing before the hearing and ask for the missing pieces.
Bring three copies of a short, organized packet.
Most forums decide three questions. Did the act happen? Does it fit the law cited, including required findings — in Illinois, for example, whether other interventions were exhausted and whether continued presence threatens safety or seriously disrupts school, under 105 ILCS 5/10-22.6(b-20)? And what length and placement follow?
The forum does not decide criminal guilt or award money. It decides school status.
Talk to a lawyer before the hearing if police, juvenile court, or criminal charges are involved, or if the school asks your child for a written statement about conduct that could be a crime. Statements made to win a school hearing can be used elsewhere.
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Rules checked October 2026 — every rule on this page is cited to its source. Verify day counts against your district's official calendar.