Notification to Parents

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. When a student reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level these rights are transferred to the student. (An eligible student, under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution.) These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day Mid-America Technology Center receives a request for access. A parent or eligible student should submit to the Assistant Superintendent, Dallas Krout a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the parent or eligible student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA.

   • A parent or eligible student who wishes to ask the school to amend a record should write the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.

   • If the school decides not to amend the record as requested, the school will notify the parent or eligible student in writing of the decision and the student's right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Addi­tional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before the Technology Center discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

   • The school discloses education records without a student's prior written consent under the FERPA excep­tion for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person em­ployed by Mid-America in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (in­cluding law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of Mid-America who performs an institutional service of func­tion for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, audi­tor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for Mid-America.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Mid­-America Technology Center to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

Students who are 18 years of age or older may choose to sign a FERPA release form to grant their parents or guardians access to their educational records.

Mid-America Technology Center's mission is to provide a competitive advantage for workforce and economic growth through quality education and training. The Board is dedicated to the philosophy of having the best training opportunities available for the communities we serve. The administration is committed to finding and developing the best teachers, trainers, and support staff to facilitate our mission. The staff are continually improving their methods and strategies to prepare the workforce necessary to fill the skills gap. The students are passionate about accepting the challenge to train, prepare, and learn to be the workforce and leaders and in our communities, state, nation and beyond.

I am prepared to invest time, energy, and resources into your growth as an individual and see you attain comfort, peace, and freedom. I am excited that you have accepted this challenge, recognizing the sacrifices that are necessary be a successful student. You have chosen to be a part of a team with a rich history of success. I look forward to working with you and celebrating your achievements as a student at Mid-America Technology Center.

Mike Eubank
Superintendent 

Hours:
Morning session – 8:10 – 11:10 a.m.
Afternoon session – 12:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Break Time (Time varies by class) Length 10 Minutes

District Calendar

Staff Directory

Mid-America Technology Center

• Is recognized for quality education, training, leadership, and service
• Provides a climate where all stakeholders can experience success
• Is recognized as a leader in economic development
• Provides an atmosphere where every individual is valued
• Continues to stay on the leading edge of technology, innovation and
• emerging workforce trends
• Continues to maximize return on investment

We believe that Mid-America Technology Center has the opportunity and privilege to provide the technical education necessary to prepare all students of our district with skills and know-how to be useful, productive, self-supporting citizens. Realizing that individual differences exist and that technology is constantly changing, we still believe that every student must have the opportunity to develop his or her aptitudes to the fullest potential. We will endeavor to include the following:

1. Placing emphasis on the importance of the American Free Enterprise System.
2. Expanding of skills and technical training will be concentrated in the area of greatest need.
3. Providing occupational orientation and exploratory experiences for all persons at all levels in order that reasonable, enlightened and long-range decisions may be made about career choice.
4. Improving the image of work in order that students, parents and the public may know of the dignity, challenge and satisfaction (intellectual and financial) of a skilled or technical occupation.
5. Facilitating access into occupational educational programs for those adults who have dropped out of the formal education program before graduating from high school.

The success of a business is greatly influenced by the dependability and productiv­ity of its employees, which is impacted by their attendance at work. Most potential employers will NOT consider hiring an applicant who had a poor attendance record at Mid-America. Additionally, every instructor will deliver meaningful instruction and assign appropriate hands-on activities each day. Therefore, students are expected to be in class every day and take care of personal business on their own time.

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES FOR SECONDARY (HIGH SCHOOL) STUDENTS

There are NO excused absences. Each student is counted as present or absent for each day Mid-America is in session. Students missing 50% or more of a class period will be considered absent for that day.

The following steps shall be utilized when dealing with Absences from
Full-Time Career Majors:

1. Attendance is monitored on a Semester Basis. After the equivalent of 9 -15 hours of absences in each semester, the parent or guardian will be con­tacted with supporting documentation. The instructor conferences with the student.
2. fter the equivalent of 18-27 hours of absences, the parent or guardian will be contacted with supporting documentation. The counselor/administrator conferences with the student and the parent/guardian and places the student on a probationary contract outlining expectations and consequences.
3. After the equivalent of 30 hours of absences in a semester, a secondary student who vio­lates the attendance probationary contract may receive a "no credit/no grade" for the course and/ or semester.

Students are expected to complete all assignments missed during an absence. It is the student's responsibility to contact their instructor and arrange to make up the missed work.

Students will be allowed one (1) school day to make up work for each day of absence.

(PN guidelines are listed separately within the department) 

Adult students are expected to attend class every day and be on time. Violation of this policy may result in dismissal from the program. Full-time students are allowed up to 60 excused hours (10 days) of absences per semester; half-time students are allowed up to 30 excused hours (10 days) of absences per semester (this includes illness, funerals, doctor ap­pointments, etc.).  Students missing 50% or more of a class period will be considered absent for that day.

The following absences are exempt and will not count towards the 60 (Full-time) or 30 (Half-time) hours.

• Subpoenaed Jury Duty
• Subpoenaed Court Appearances
• Military Duty

A Leave of Absence (LOA) will be considered on a case-by-case basis (such as extended illness, serious injury, etc.) and may not exceed 60 days within a 12-month period. A LOA must be a minimum of (5) days. Students may not be approved for more than one leave of absence in a 12-month period. 

The LOA must be requested by the student prior to the leave. The LOA form should be requested by the student from Student Services. The form will provide a written, signed, and dated request and the reason for the request. Upon completion of the form, the student must contact a Director and provide appropriate documentation for the leave to be considered.  

If the student is unable to request leave prior to the LOA due to unforeseen circumstances (such

as a car wreck, health issues, military reasons, etc.), the student must contact Student Services as soon as possible to request the LOA. A LOA may be granted as long as the student provides documentation at a later date. Upon receipt of documentation, the Director will document the approved or unapproved decision. 

Students granted approved leaves of absence are expected to return to class at the end of the leave of absence. 

For students who are Pell Grant recipients: 

A student who does not return at the end of a leave of absence will be withdrawn, and if the student received Title IV federal financial aid, the drop date would be the student’s last date of attendance. The student and the school may owe money back to the Federal Pell Grant Program. 

Any leave of absence that does not meet all the conditions outlined above for an approved leave of absence is considered a withdrawal for Title IV purposes and the student’s withdrawal date will be the last date the student attended class. In such cases, both the school and the student may be required to return money to the Federal Pell Grant program. 

Course changes during the first few weeks of the school year and the second semes­ter, will be made only if it appears to be in the best interest of the student. All changes must be made at the beginning of semesters and must be approved by an administrator.

High school juniors and seniors who show an interest in technical training and an aptitude in the area of his or her choice may apply for enrollment. The enrollment is subject to the approval of the home high school and Mid-America. Every effort will be made to counsel prospective students to select a career major in which they have a reasonable opportunity for success. Enrollment will not be complete until each student and/ or parent has signed and turned in the Student Data forms and attends orientation. Adult students may contact the school for enrollment information.

In technical courses, part of the time period is spent in theory and part in a laboratory.

The student's grade will be derived from his/her performance on course assignments, tests, and laboratory assignments. The resulting grades will then be totaled and a composite numerical grade determined. This numerical grade will be translated to a letter grade, based on the following scale:

Mid-America will offer academic classes for those high school students who are un­able to take all the courses in math and science required by the state for graduation and still be able to take a career major offered at Mid-America. Approval must be given by the sending high school. Students who are enrolled in any course will be expected to be present in that class each day they are present in their career major unless prior arrangements have been made by their career major instructor and the Academic Instructor. Attendance requirements for academic classes are consistent with attendance requirements of the student handbook. Students enrolled in Cosmetology and Health Career Explorer (HCE) are ineligible to be enrolled in an aca­demic courses.

Each student is expected to make progress toward completion of the major being taken. A student is considered to be progressing toward completion if the student maintains a grade of "C" and the student's attendance is within the limits prescribed in the attendance policy.

Each student is expected to take and pass certification exams and competency tests associated with the career major for which they have enrolled and to be in good standing with their teacher. Students in good standing have exhibited a desire to cooperate with teachers and students in the program and contribute to a positive environment in the classroom. Students who cause disruptions and distract from the learning process will not be considered to be in good standing. Students not in good standing will need permission from an administrator for re-enrollment.

Students who make less than a "C" average during their first year, or have not passed certification exams or competency tests associated with the career major for which they have enrolled must have the approval of their teacher before they will be permitted to return for the second year of training.

Any student, employee, or patron of Mid-America Technology Center, who believes there exists a violation, misinterpretation, or inequitable application of the Policies and Administrative Regulations, or discrimination or harassment in programs/ser­vices, on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic may seek resolution of the situation.

It is the desire of Mid-America Technology Center that any grievance might be re­solved in an informal manner. This would include discussing the problem or griev­ance with an instructor, a counselor, or an administrator. However, in situations where a solution cannot be reached in this informal manner, steps for a formal hearing of the problem are detailed in the grievance procedures available from the Director of Human Recourses.

If the grievance cannot be resolved through the above process; MATC is accredited by the Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education. House Concurrent Resolution 1081, requires our State Agency to have a complaint policy. Comments or Complaints may be submitted to Russell Ray, Communications and Marketing – Chief Communications Marketing Officer at [email protected]. You may also find a downloadable form to complete at https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/careertech/policies/comments-or-complaints/response-form.doc

As used in the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act:

1. ''Bullying" means any pattern of harassment, intimidation, threatening behavior, physical acts, verbal or electronic communication directed to­ward a student or group of students that results in or is reasonably per­ceived as being done with the intent to cause negative educational or physical results for the targeted individual or group and is communicated in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school's educational mis­sion or the education of any student;
2. "At school" means on school grounds, in school vehicles, at school-spon­sored activities, or at school-sanctioned events;
3. "Electronic communication'' means the communication of any written, verbal, pictorial information or video content by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, a mobile or cellular tele­phone, or other wireless telecommunication devices, or a computer.
4. "Threatening behavior" means any pattern of behavior or isolated ac­tion, whether or not it is directed at another person, that a reasonable person would believe indicates the potential for future harm to students, school personnel, or school property.

Definition: Sexual harassment is behavior of a sexual nature which creates a situa­tion in which an individual is made to feel uncomfortable in the work and/or learn­ing environment. This behavior may be in the form of:

1. Unwelcome sexual advances
2. Verbal or written comments
3. Suggestive/explicit jokes
4. Sexual objects or pictures
5. Unreasonable differential treatment based on gender
6. Unwelcome physical contact
7. Other actions/ conduct which are sexually offensive

Any individual who believes he/ she is the victim of sexual assault should preserve all of the evidence and should report the incident to the Administrative Office in per­son or by phone. An official report will be taken and copies will be made available to the victim and local law enforcement agencies. Victims of sexual assault may choose to report the incident to Mendi Dawley – Director of Human Resources

The purpose of a student ID badge is to ensure each student is readily identified as a student of Mid-America Technology Center, and to identify and exclude those in­dividuals who have no legitimate business on campus during the school day, and/or school activities. The wearing of the student ID badge is MANDATORY during school hours and at school activities. The safety and security of students are of paramount concern and the following regulations will be observed regarding student ID badges.

1. All students and staff must wear an ID badge on a school-approved lanyard or badge holder. The badge must be visible at the chest level or higher from the front.
2. The ID badge is the property of Mid-America Technology Center. Students must present their ID to any staff member who requests it.
3. Any student who has lost or forgotten their ID will be issued a temporary badge prior to being admitted to class. Students wearing temporary badges will not be allowed to attend out of class activities or go to break.
4. Lost or damaged ID badges will be replaced at a cost of $10.00 to the student. 
5. Any student who has been suspended from school or placed off campus must relinquish his or her badge to an administrator.
6. No stickers or marks will be allowed on the ID unless the stickers were issued by the school. ID badges that are permanently altered in any way will have to be replaced with a $10.00 replacement fee.
7. Visitors to the campus will be required to sign in at the front office and receive a Visitor's Badge.

Career Tech Student Organizations sponsored by the instructor of each class, are provided to promote activities for citizenship and leadership development. The stu­dent activities during the year are sponsored by SkillsUSA and HOSA. These organizations are considered a very important part of technical education, and active participation is a part of every class.

Students may only compete within their primary career major divisions, Trade and Industrial (and all other non-health classes) – SkillsUSA and Health Classes - HOSA.

Student participation in community service, meetings., conferences, contest and leadership positions is supported by the teacher and administration. Involvement in CTSO activities is approved based on progress, attendance, and recommendation of the teacher. Students placing 1st in state competitions and national officer candidates may be eligible to compete in national competitions.

It is the intent of Mid-America Technology Center to support and promote adult and secondary students who participate in state skills contest sponsored by student organizations (HOSA, Skills USA). The following guidelines will be in effect for student participation and attendance at a sanctioned National Contest.

1. First (1st) place winners who qualify according to the rules of the specific student organization will be covered for meals, lodging and qualifying expenses providing they fall within one of the categories listed below:
   1. 1st place State individual competition winners who are representing Oklahoma in their respective National competition.
   2. 1st place State team competition winners who are representing Oklahoma in their respective National competition
   3. State and/or National officers who are required to attend National Convention to fulfill their officer duties.
2. Participating students will be required to travel with MATC personnel and remain under the supervision of MATC personnel while at the competition and on the return trip. Secondary students may be released to a parent/guardian following the competition. Adult students may be released on their own.
3. Vehicle travel will be in school owned equipment. No students will drive themselves to or from an event.
4. Airline travel is authorized for qualifying student and teacher sponsors. Teacher sponsors will use the district purchasing procedures for making reservations and payment for tickets.
5. Mode of travel will be determined by administration based on distance and cost.
6. Lodging arrangement will be made by Mid-America Staff. Participants will be grouped, when possible, to reduce district expense.
7. Miscellaneous cost such as airport transportation to and from hotel, parking fees, mileage to and from the campus of enrollment to the airport, tolls, taxis, city bus/shuttles, and related contest costs are reimbursable with proper documentation.
8. Expenses for side trips or entertainment will not be reimbursed or paid for by district funds.

ACTIVITIES EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
It is the policy of the Mid-America Technology Center Board of Education to reimburse pre-approved itemized and necessary meal and lodging expenses incurred by school district students and sponsors involved in authorized school sponsored co-curricular activities. Student meal expenses will be covered on a per diem basis for out of state travel only.

Travel requests will be made as early as possible and placed on the master calendar.

A requisition for reimbursement from the activity fund must be filled out for each student and signed by the teacher/sponsor.

The school will reimburse reasonable costs, subject to the availability of funds, for approved and documented lodging and meal expenses.

Claim forms for travel expenses are available in the administration office. The forms will be completed and approved on campus and hand-delivered to the business office for payment.

Student ‘‘Per Diem’’ Meal Allowance for out-of-state travel will be paid on a per meal basis for breakfast, lunch, and dinner when the student is off campus for official MATC representation.

In-State Travel: Transportation and registration will be provided for in-state travel. Per diem for meals will not be included for in-state travel.

Out-of-State - For out-of-state travel, the meal allowance will be paid based upon the rates established by the Internal Revenue Service for cities, counties, and states of travel. Reimbursement for out-of-state, is set on a per meal basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner). An agenda of the conference, meeting, or event must be attached to the claim form. Student meals provided through lodging or paid for through registration fees incurred by the district will be deducted. No meal receipts will be required for meals. 

NOTE: Field trips do not count as out-of-state-only contest or CTSO activities.

The following conditions apply:
1.    Students are not eligible for per diem unless the teacher/sponsor seeks approval in advance from the assistant superintendent.
2.    Each student must sign for their own per diem (within two weeks) in order to collect the allowance.
3.    All claim forms must be received by the 25th of the month in which they occurred.
4.    The teacher or sponsor must sign off on student claim forms.
5.    Travel must be off campus and overnight.
6.    No meal receipts will be needed but, itemized receipts for all other allowable expenses will be required for reimbursement.
7.    An agenda of the contest, meeting or event MUST be attached to the claim form.
8.    Lodging, transportation and registration will follow existing board policy and be covered by the general fund. Meals and other allowable expenses will be covered by the activity fund.
9.    Student meals provided with lodging or paid for through registration fees paid by the district will be deducted
10.    Other allowable expenses must be accompanied by a signed receipt and turned in under the same conditions as meals per diem.

Under the supervision of each instructor, every student is to become familiar with and held responsible for knowing and following the Student Conduct section of the Policies and Administrative Regulations. A complete copy of these policies is avail­able in every classroom. A few of the rules of major importance listed in the policies are repeated here:

1. "A student shall not knowingly possess, handle, or transmit any object (including knives) that can reasonably be considered a dangerous weapon:'
2. ''A student shall not knowingly possess, use, transmit, or be under any influence of alcohol or any drug not prescribed by a physician."
3. ''A student shall not repeatedly fail to comply with directions of teach­ers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher assistants, or other au­thorized school personnel during any period of time when the student is properly under the authority of school personnel:'
4. ''A student will not absent himself from school without a reasonable excuse. The reasonableness of the excuse shall be determined by the Assistant Superintendent."

Students may carry cell phones and other electronic devices while on campus, but their use is subject to the following guidelines:

A. While in class, cell phones, smartwatches, and smart earphones may not be used. All devices must be silenced and stored in accordance with the teacher’s classroom policy.
B. Devices may be used during scheduled breaks.
C. Devices may be used while traveling on regular school-to-school bus routes.
D. Personal earphones or earbuds are not permitted for use at any time.
E. Mid-America Technology Center is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
F. In medical situations, emergencies, or other unusual circumstances, students may request written administrative approval to carry or use their cell phone.

Disciplinary Actions

Violations may result in the loss of device privileges and/or other disciplinary actions, including temporary suspension of device use.

Emergency Contact

Parents/guardians needing to contact students during school hours should use the following number, which activates multiple lines at Mid-America: 572-215-2060.

Breaks will be taken at posted times and places not to exceed 10 minutes in length per session. Students may not take breaks in cars, in the parking lot, or at any place other than the assigned areas. Each student is requested to cooperate at all times in keeping the break areas and the grounds clean and attractive.

Class Hours:
Morning session – 8:10 – 11:10 a.m.
Afternoon session – 12:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Transportation is provided from every sending high school to Mid-America Tech­nology Center. Students are encouraged to make use of this free transportation for safety and economy reasons. Students may drive private vehicles to Mid-America providing they observe the following regulations:

1. Secondary students must be permitted to drive by their high school.
2. All students must drive in a safe manner, observing traffic laws, and not putting others at risk.
3. Vehicles must be parked properly in approved parking areas upon arriving, and not be moved until students are dismissed.
4. Students will not be permitted to loiter in the parking lots, sit in cars, or go to cars during break.
5. All vehicles parked on Mid-America's campus are subject to search.

Student Services provides information related to career choices, college and ad­vanced technical school entrance requirements, and information concerning job op­portunities. Assistance in actual job placement for students completing programs is also available.

Career and personal counseling services are available as needed. Students may take advantage of these services at any time but must check-out through their instructor. All students seeking counseling services or being referred by instructors should re­port to the Student Services Office. Interest inventories, testing, and referral services may be obtained upon request of students.

Parents of secondary students may request an opportunity to inspect and review any and all official record files and data directly related to their child. This request is to be submitted in writing to the Assistant Superintendent, who will then notify the parents that they may inspect said records giving the date for the review. The date will be set as soon after the request is feasible and possible.

Mid-America Technology Center will not release personally identifiable records or files of students under the age of 18, without the written consent of their parents. When any student has attained 18 years of age, the permission to review or consent to release records and files shall only be accorded to and required of, the student.

Suspension From High School for Secondary Students

Any secondary student suspended from the home school is automatically suspended from Mid-America Technology Center and will not be reinstated until Mid-America receives official notification that the student is reinstated in the home school. 

Suspension Terms

Long-term suspensions are those suspensions in excess of ten (10) school days. 
Short-term suspensions are those suspensions of ten (10) or fewer school days.

Procedure Of Suspension

MATC shall suspend the student in the following manner: 

( 1) When a student violates board policy or a school rule or regulation, the administrator shall conduct an informal conference to discuss the policy, rule or regulation and the conduct which is in violation of the policy, rule or regulation. The student will be asked whether he/ she understands the policy, rule or regulation and be given full opportu­nity to explain and discuss his/her conduct.

(2) If it is concluded that suspension is appropriate, the student shall be advised that he/she is being suspended and the length of the suspen­sion. For students under the age of 18 years old attempts will be made by phone and in writing to notify the student and his/her parents or guardian, and the home school prin­cipal, stating the reason for the suspension, the term of the suspension, and the student's right of hearing before the Superintendent.

(3) A student may be suspended without a conference if the conduct of the student reasonably indicates that the continued presence of the student will constitute an immediate danger, substantial disruption of the educational process or as the situation warrants.

Procedure Of Suspension Appeal

Short-Term Suspension Appeals

A parent or student may appeal the suspension decision to a suspension review committee established by the superintendent. The director shall inform the parent/student of the right to appeal the suspension and the method for appealing.

An appeal must be presented by letter to the director within five (5) calendar days after the parent/student receives the campus director's decision. If the campus director does not receive a written appeal within five (5) calendar days of the decision, the campus director’s suspension decision is final.

Upon receipt of the request, the director shall confirm that the student's suspension falls within the category of suspensions to which an appeal to the committee is authorized. If the campus director determines that the suspension is a long-term suspension, or the original short-term suspension is extended beyond ten (10) school days prior to the hearing, the procedures applicable to long-term suspensions must be followed and the student must be given the opportunity to appeal any adverse decision to the board of education.

Hearing the Appeal

1. The superintendent shall appoint a review committee consisting of not less than three certified administrators and/or teachers, and shall designate a chairperson for the committee. No administrator or teacher is eligible to serve on the committee who was a witness to the student's conduct, nor is any teacher eligible to serve who has the student in his/her class for the current school term.

2. The superintendent shall schedule the committee hearing as soon as possible during regular school hours, Monday through Friday. Reasonable consideration shall be given to accommodate the work schedules of the parent whenever possible. The parent/student will be notified in writing of the date, time and place of the hearing. The campus director shall attend the hearing. Either party choosing to have legal counsel at the hearing shall give the other party twenty-four (24) hours advance notice. The failure to give such notice will preclude the party's right to have counsel attend the hearing.

3. The committee will conduct a full investigation of the student's suspension in an informal manner. The campus director will briefly outline the student's conduct, read the regulation that the student's conduct violated, and present any evidence and witnesses that support the suspension decision. The parent/student will be asked by the committee if they understand the regulation and charges against the student. The parent/student will then briefly explain the student's conduct, and present any evidence and witnesses that support the student's position.

4. At the conclusion of the presentation of the evidence, the committee shall retire to render a decision by a majority vote as to the guilt or innocence of the student. The committee shall also determine the reasonableness of the term of the suspension. The committee's decision shall be confirmed in writing and a copy will be mailed to the parent, the campus director and the superintendent.

5. The decision of the committee shall be final and nonappealable.

Long-Term Suspension Appeals

A parent/student may appeal the suspension to the superintendent and board of education or a hearing officer appointed by the board. The director shall inform the parent/student of the right to appeal the suspension and the method for appealing.

A written appeal must be received by the superintendent within five (5) calendar days after the parent/student receives the campus director's decision. If the superintendent does not receive a written appeal within five (5) calendar days of the campus director’s decision, the campus director’s suspension decision is final.

Appeals to the Superintendent or Designee (“Superintendent”)

If the superintendent receives a timely written appeal request, the superintendent will hold a conference with the parent or guardian as soon as possible. The conference will be held during regular school hours, Monday through Friday, with consideration given to the hours of working parents whenever possible.

At the conference, the superintendent will read the regulation the student is charged with having violated and will briefly outline the student’s conduct. The parent will be asked if he/she understands the regulation and the charges against the student. The student/parent will be given an opportunity to provide his/her version of events.

At the conclusion of the conference the superintendent will state whether he/she shall terminate or modify the suspension. In all cases the parent shall be advised of the right to have the suspension reviewed by the board of education or a board-appointed hearing officer. If the parent is in agreement with the superintendent’s decision, he/she shall be requested to sign a waiver of review by the board.

Appeals to the Board of Education or Designated Hearing Officer

An appeal must be presented by letter to the superintendent within five (5) calendar days after the parent/student receives the superintendent’s decision. If the superintendent does not receive a written appeal within five (5) calendar days of the superintendent’s decision, the superintendent’s suspension decision is final.

If the board receives a timely written appeal request, the board or an appointed hearing officer will hear the appeal as soon as possible. This decision is final and nonappealable.

The parent/student will be notified in writing of the date, time and place of the hearing and will have the right to choose an "open" or "closed" hearing. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the work schedule of parents. The following procedures will be followed:

1. The board president or the appointed hearing officer should:

a. Announce that the next agenda item is a suspension review hearing.

b. Ask whether the parent/student wants the hearing to be open to the public or in executive session. The offer of an open hearing and the response is to be made a part of the minutes of the meeting. If the parent/student requests a closed hearing, a motion to go into executive session per their request should be made and voted on.

2. The board president or hearing officer should advise the parent/student:

a. That they are entitled to legal counsel, if they desire it.

b. That the administration will present its witnesses first and that after each witness the parent or their legal counsel will be given an opportunity to cross-examine.

c. That the parent/student will be given an opportunity to call any relevant witnesses and present any relevant evidence, subject to cross-examination by the administration’s legal counsel.

d. That the board or its hearing officer will consider the evidence and documents and reach a decision that will be recorded by vote in open session.

e. That the parent/student may ask any questions about the procedure.

3. Administration may call witnesses and present documents subject to cross-examination.

4. Parent/student may call any witnesses and present documents subject to cross-examination.

5. After each witness is presented board members or the hearing officer may ask the witness questions.

6. Parent/student’s closing statement.

7. Administration's closing statement.

8. Deliberate in private. (If the hearing is not in executive session, the board or its hearing officer may deliberate in executive session only with permission of the parent/student.)

9. Return to open session and vote. After adopting a motion making certain findings of fact the board must make a motion to: (1) affirm the suspension; (2) modify the suspension (increase or decrease severity of the suspension); or (3) revoke the suspension. If the hearing is before a hearing officer, no motions will be required as a part of the hearing process; otherwise, the hearing officer will have the same obligations as the board when rendering a decision.

Attendance at School Pending Appeal Hearing

Pending an appeal of the student suspension, the student will have the right to attend school under such "in-house" restrictions as the campus director deems proper, except that at the discretion of the campus director, the student may be prohibited from attending school pending any appeal hearing if in the judgment of the campus director the student’s continued presence in the building will constitute an immediate danger to the health or safety of students, school employees, school property, or would be a substantial disruption of the educational process.

Student Privileges While Under Suspension

Participation in school extracurricular activities is a privilege and not a right. Accordingly, students who are suspended are immediately ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities, notwithstanding the filing of an appeal. "Extracurricular activities" include, but are not limited to, all school sponsored teams, clubs, organizations, ceremonies, student government, and all other school sponsored activities and organizations.

Reference: OKLA. STAT. tit. 70 § 24-101.3

Reentry after being dismissed for failure to follow attendance policies or unsatisfactory conduct.

Students who are dismissed from MATC due to violation of attendance policy or unsatisfactory conduct can apply for readmission the following semester provided that the student has a conference with an administrator or an administrator designee (and guardian if under the age of 18 years old). The conference will determine the student's ability to be successful in their course of study.

All students who desire to terminate their course of training must obtain a With­drawal Record from the Student Services Office. This form must be completed and signed by the instructor, and then returned to the office, before the student receives official clearance from the school. Secondary students should also make arrange­ments for withdrawal from their home schools.

At the end of the school year, or at the time of withdrawal from school, it is the stu­dent's responsibility to have the instructor verify that the student has completed the aca­demic requirements and returned all school-owned books, tools, and equipment. Finan­cial obligations must be fulfilled before grades or certification of training can be released.

In addition to local, State, and general Federal statutes that make it a crime to possess or distribute a controlled substance, there are special Federal laws designed to protect children and schools from drugs.

An important part of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 makes it a Federal Crime to sell drugs in or near a public or private elementary or secondary school. Under this new ''schoolhouse" law, sales within 1,000 feet of school grounds are punishable by up to double the sentence that would apply if the sale occurred elsewhere. Even more serious mandatory penalties are available for repeat offenders.

Distribution or sale to minors of controlled substances is also a Federal crime. When anyone over age 21 sells drugs to anyone under 18, the seller runs the risk that he will receive up to double the sentence that would apply to a sale to an adult. Here too, more serious penalties can be imposed on repeat offenders.

Students and/or employees who violate Mid-America's policy for a Drug-Free School and Workplace, as one option for disciplinary action, may be placed on probation, pending satisfactory participation in an appropriate drug/alcohol abuse treatment program, at the students/ employee's expense. Information concerning available counseling and treatment programs, both private and public, will be provided through the Student Services Office. In addition, a listing of programs available in each county will be provided and available in each program classroom/office and in student/employee lounges. Full-time employees needing services of this type are encouraged to use the health insurance benefits.

Individuals who desire information or referral from another source should contact the Department of Mental Health at the following phone numbers: Oklahoma City Reach­Out 405-271-2444, Teen-line (12 noon - 12 midnight) 1-800-525-Teen, and the Hotline 1-800-522-9054. This agency provides referral, education, and advocacy services at no cost, on a statewide basis.

Consumer Information

Mid-America Technology Center offers 35 full-time career majors and numerous adult and career development courses in the evening that represent many of the high-demand trades in the region. It is our mission to provide a competitive advantage for workforce and economic growth through quality education and training.

The Consumer Information Guide is located on our home page at www.matech.edu under the Consumer Information tab.

For more information regarding Consumer Information or for a hard copy of the Consumer Information Guide, contact Karen Hemmerling, Director of Federal Programs 572-215-2060 Monday-Friday, 8am - 4pm.