Hearing Office
FUNCTION
The Hearing Office is located at parking lot "H", behind Building 200 {Student Support Service Dept.} on the right hand side follow through to parking lot "H". This office services as a support to campuses and the community in the areas of Discipline, Compulsory Attendance, Student Enrollment, Family Code, and Safe Schools.
MISSION
The mission of the Southwest ISD Hearing Office is to support the efforts of the District and the Community in providing a safe school environment for all students and staff members.
GOVERNED BY:
- Southwest Independent School District Student Code of Conduct
- Chapter 37 Discipline Law and Order
- Title 5 Felony Offense of the Texas Penal Code
Major Responsibilities & Duties of The Office
- Conduct disciplinary hearings and JJAEP {Juvenile Justice Alternative Educational Program}, and other placements
- Interpret policies, procedures, and data regarding student discipline services
- Review transfer student records for Non Traditional Enrollments {NTE} to SWISD schools from JJAEP and other alternatives educational programs / placements
- Receives, researches, and responds to incoming questions or concerns; provides information explains policy and procedures, and / or facilitates a resolution
- works to resolve conflict smoothly, promptly, effectively, efficiently, and as justly as possible
Types of Placements after Hearing
- Level I {ISS} In School Suspension is a consequence recommended by campus administration following the Student Code of Conduct and is completed on campus
- Level II {OSS} Out of School Suspension is a consequence recommended by campus administration following the Student Code of Conduct and is completed off campus
- District Alternative Educational Program {DAEP} is a consequence recommended by the District Hearing Office following the Student Code of Conduct where the student is removed from the home campus and placed at the District Alternative School for :
- Short Term {29 days or less}
- Long Term {30 days or more and up to a full calendar year}
- SWISD Boot Camp {BC} Is a consequence recommended by the District Hearing Office following the Student Code of Conduct where the student is removed from home campus and placed at the District Boot Camp for forty five {45} days
- Juvenile Justice Alternative Educational Program {JJAEP} Is a consequence recommended by the District Hearing Office following the Student Code of Conduct where the student is expelled from home campus and placed at the JJAEP for Up to 177 school days, both mandatory and discretionary expulsion
The common goal of the Hearing Office of Southwest Independent School District is to assure that all students who come before a hearing have a fair, impartial, and just process.
Student placements are handled with understanding and knowledge that their educational success will adhere to District, State, and Federal mandates.
Our schools are an important part of community life and as such deserve the great support that the Hearing Office extends to each campus to maintain the safety, success, and moral superiority of their students, faculty, administration, and staff.
The Hearing Office will continue to meet and resolve the student's hearings presented by each campus with utmost sensitivity and sincerity to achieve not only a "common ground agreement" result, but rather a "win-win" result for all stakeholders.
"The world is round and the place which may seem like the end, may also be the beginning." - Ivy Baker Priest