Well, lets look at the facts that are so outrageous that evidently they make it okay to hang him out to dry over an incident where the school and principal overstepped thier bounds.
From his appeal brief:
"Fully 24 of those documents were detention referrals spanning a 2½-year period. Gary has only been referred to detention once in the current school year. And although every form gives teachers the opportunity, nowhere on any of the referrals is there a request for intervention on behalf of the staff or student. Not for behavior, not for academics, not for counseling or anger management, not even for an alleged “hate statement.” In fact, a majority of the referrals were from 2007 when Gary was in the 9th grade for talking in class, not having a textbook, or for having his cell phone in class.
Beyond the lack or relevancy, the complaints come from the same seven (7) teachers, with 80% coming from the same four (4) teachers. None of those teachers were present at the hearing, nor is there any indication Willows High attempted to bring them to the Hearing.
Teachers giving referrals: 7
Mr. Korling 5 20%
Ms. Samons 7 28% (2 years w/Gary)
Ms. Lungren 4 16%
Mrs. Conklin 4 16%
Ms. Albert 2 8%
Mr. Lewis 2 8%
Mr. Holly 1 4%
Notably, nowhere on any Student Referral Form is there a request for intervention. Not
for behavior, not for academics, not for counseling or anger management, not even for an alleged “hate statement.” And there is nothing to suggest Gary posed a danger to himself or others. For purposes of this Board’s review, perhaps the most notable fact above (and one verified by the record produced by the district) is that no intervention, plan, meetings, or outreach was ever conducted or even recommended for Gary by Willows High School. In fact, the current Willows Resource Officer has known Gary since the 5th grade, and has never intervened, or offered any type of counseling to Gary regarding his school challenges. Testimony of Officer Alves, Transcript at 30, line 20-21; at 31 lines 3-4.)"
If you think he should be expelled for his prior transgression fine - but don't support a railroading over his having unloaded shotguns in his locked truck parked off school property. And don't support a school administration that violated their own rules of procedure, conduct, and due process.
