GRAVETTE — A member of the freshman class at Gravette High School was suspended for the remainder of this semester following a hearing at a special meeting of the Gravette School Board in October.

The male student had been suspended for 10 days after a knife was discovered in his possession at the football game in Gentry.

The student’s mother attended the hearing, which was requested to be open, as the board reviewed the incident. Its action followed school policy which conforms with state law.

Superintendent Andrea Kelly said the student has the option of attending the school’s alternative learning center the balance of this semester which could result in his being readmitted to regular classes at the start of the spring semester.

“It was a calm, orderly session,” Kelly said, “and the board was able to conduct it without incident.”

State law requires suspension of a student who violates the state guidelines. The Gravette board’s policy is “to review the incident” before taking action, the superintendent added.

Community News, Pages 8 on 11/09/2011