(1) Requesting review. For the purposes of this section, "reviewing officer" means the superintendent who reviews and reconsiders the school's appeal decision under WAC 72-120-465. The student or parents may request the review orally or in writing.

(2) Time limit. A request for a review of a short-term suspension, in-school suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion should be submitted within 21 calendar days from the date the school provides written notice under WAC 72-120-465.

(3) Review procedure.

(a) In reviewing the school's decision, the reviewing officer must consider all documentary and physical evidence related to the behavioral violation, any records from the appeal under WAC 72-120-465, relevant state law, and the school's student conduct code under this chapter.

(b) The reviewing officer may request to meet with the student or parents, the principal, witnesses, or school personnel to hear further arguments and gather additional information.

(c) The decision of the reviewing officer must be made only if the reviewing officer was not involved in the behavioral violation, the decision to suspend or expel the student, or the appeal decision under WAC 72-120-465.

(4) Decision. The reviewing officer must provide a written decision to the student and parents in person, by mail, or by email within 10 school business days after receiving the request for review and reconsideration. The written decision must state:

(a) Whether the reviewing officer affirms, reverses, or modifies the suspension or expulsion;

(b) The duration and conditions of the suspension or expulsion, including the dates on which the suspension and expulsion will begin and end;

(c) For long-term suspensions or expulsions, notice of the opportunity to participate in a reengagement meeting under WAC 72-120-710; and

(d) A notice that the reviewing officer's decision shall be final and shall include a notice of any rights to request reconsideration or judicial review. A request for review may be deemed to have been denied if the reviewing officer does not make a disposition of the matter within 20 calendar days after the request is submitted.

(5) Language assistance. The school must ensure that any review proceedings and decisions are in a language the student and parents understand, which may require language assistance for students and parents with limited-English proficiency under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.