Governor Ryan concerned about educational opportunities for troubled students

Governor Ryan concerned about educational opportunities for troubled students

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan today vetoed legislation regulating the way school districts deal with expelled or suspended students entering an alternative education program or seeking admission to a new school.

Ryan's main concern was that the legislation does not mandate alternative education programs for expelled or suspended students.

Under the provisions of Senate Bill 1426, an expelled or suspended student would not automatically be required to attend an educational program at a facility other than the school where the offense occurred.

In vetoing the legislation, Ryan said that he agrees that school districts should have options to protect the children enrolled in their school from problem students. However, he raised concerns that affected students may not be required to attend alternative schools.

"I am deeply concerned that alternative education is not assured for students who are suspended or expelled," Ryan said. "I believe alternative education should be a mandatory condition of any suspension or expulsion from a public or private school in Illinois. I believe signing this legislation would send the wrong message that problem students are better off on the streets than in an alternative school environment."

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.