By Rupert Howell

School trustees upheld a recommendation for expulsion of a South Panola student during a special meeting held Monday night that went into executive session. The meeting was held at the Parenting Center with four trustees voting to uphold the expulsion and one abstention.

The student was suspended with recommendation for expulsion for a violation of the school code of conduct according to school superintendent Dr. Keith Shaffer.

School officials do not release names of students involved in disciplinary hearings.

Shaffer explained that students are allowed due process and a first level appeal went before School Hearing officer Robert Chapman who is allowed to uphold, overturn or modify the decision.

The school administrator upheld the expulsion and it was further appealed to the school district’s five member board of trustees who may either uphold or overturn the expulsion.

Each student receives a handbook at the beginning of each year which explains the process and includes the code of conduct according to Shaffer. The information is also posted online at the school’s website.

Trustees voting for the expulsion included Lygunnah Bean, Sarah Dell, Gray, Kim Renfroe and Sandra Darby while trustee Jerry Cooley abstained.