(1) Other forms of discipline. Before administering a long-term suspension, a school district must consider one or more other forms of discipline to support the student in meeting behavioral expectations. Administering other forms of discipline may involve the use of best practices and strategies included in the state menu for behavior developed under RCW 28A.165.035.

(2) Limitations on long-term suspensions. A school district may only administer a long-term suspension:

(a) For behavioral violations under RCW 28A.600.015 (6)(a) through (d); and

(b) After the school district has determined that, if the student returned to school before completing a long-term suspension:

(i) The student would pose an imminent danger to students or school personnel; or

(ii) The student would pose an imminent threat of material and substantial disruption of the educational process.

(3) Length of exclusion.

(a) A long-term suspension may not exceed the length of an academic term.

(b) A school district may not administer a long-term suspension beyond the school year in which the behavioral violation occurred.

(4) Grade-level limitations. Except for a violation of WAC 392-400-820, a school district may not administer a long-term suspension for any student in kindergarten through fourth grade.