August 4, 2026, marks the first day of the new school year for students in Lexington County School District One. Thousands of students are returning to classrooms throughout Lexington, Gilbert, Pelion and the surrounding communities.
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, the beginning of a new school year also means that we are preparing for an anticipated increase in the number of students recommended for expulsion.
Over the years, our office has represented hundreds of students in school expulsion hearings in Lexington District One, as well as school districts throughout Lexington and Richland counties. We represent students at every grade level, from elementary school through high school.
Lexington District One Middle and High Schools
Lexington District One currently operates eight middle schools:
Beechwood Middle School
Carolina Springs Middle School
Gilbert Middle School
Lakeside Middle School
Meadow Glen Middle School
Pelion Middle School
Pleasant Hill Middle School
White Knoll Middle School
The district's five high schools are:
Gilbert High School
Lexington High School
Pelion High School
River Bluff High School
White Knoll High School
Although many expulsion recommendations involve middle and high school students, younger students can also face serious school discipline. Our office represents students from elementary school through high school in expulsion matters.
Why Are Students Recommended for Expulsion?
There are many reasons why a school may recommend that a student be expelled. Some involve allegations of intentionally violating school rules. Others can arise from mistakes, misunderstandings, social media activity or even prohibited items a student did not realize were in a backpack or vehicle.
Some of the more common allegations we encounter include:
Vape possession or use, including THC vapes; possession, sharing or distribution of marijuana, gummies or other drugs; possession or sharing of prescription or over-the-counter medications; alcohol possession or being under the influence; fighting or other physical altercations; bullying or cyberbullying; threats against students, teachers or the school; threatening statements made through text messages or social media; weapons or other prohibited items; weapons, drugs or other prohibited items found in a student's vehicle; sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct; theft; vandalism or damage to school property; and disruptive or inappropriate social media activity.
A student does not necessarily have to be accused of committing a crime to be recommended for expulsion. School disciplinary rules are separate from South Carolina criminal law, and conduct that may not result in a criminal charge can still result in serious school disciplinary proceedings.
A Recommendation for Expulsion Is Not the Final Decision
One of the most important things for parents to understand is that a school's recommendation for expulsion is just that: a recommendation.
The initial recommendation is typically made by the student's school. The ultimate outcome is determined through the district's disciplinary hearing process.
In Lexington District One, an expulsion hearing is conducted before a district hearing officer. The hearing officer considers the school's allegations and supporting information, as well as the information presented on behalf of the student.
This distinction is important. Being recommended for expulsion does not necessarily mean that the student will ultimately be expelled.
Depending on the circumstances, possible outcomes can include dismissal of the recommendation, a lesser disciplinary sanction that permits the student to return to school, placement in an alternative school program, or expulsion.
The hearing therefore provides an important opportunity for the student and family to challenge the school's allegations, explain the circumstances surrounding the incident, and provide the hearing officer with information about the student that may not be contained in the school's disciplinary packet.
Preparing for a Lexington District One Expulsion Hearing
School expulsion hearings move quickly. Parents may first learn about an expulsion recommendation through a telephone call from the school, followed by written information concerning the recommendation and hearing process.
When our office represents a student, we work to obtain and review the information being relied upon by the school. Depending on the case, this can include incident reports, witness statements, disciplinary records, academic information and other materials.
We also meet with the student and parents before the hearing to prepare them for what to expect. When appropriate, we can present additional information, supporting documentation and letters on the student's behalf.
An expulsion hearing is not the same as a criminal trial. There is no jury or courtroom judge. The district hearing officer is responsible for considering the information presented and determining the appropriate outcome.
This is also why parents should not assume that nothing can be done simply because their child admits making a mistake. Even when there is sufficient evidence that a school rule was violated, the question of the appropriate consequence can still be extremely important. A hearing officer may have options available that allow a student to continue receiving educational services rather than being fully expelled.
Hundreds of School Expulsion Hearings
The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC has handled hundreds of school expulsion hearings involving students in Lexington District One and surrounding school districts in Lexington and Richland counties.
We have represented students facing allegations ranging from vaping and fighting to drugs, weapons, threats, social media activity and other serious disciplinary violations. We also represent students when a school incident results in a separate police investigation or juvenile court case.
Every student and every disciplinary situation is different. Our goal is to carefully review what happened, determine what options are available and prepare the student and family for the district hearing process.
Free Consultation for Lexington School Expulsion Cases
If your child has been recommended for expulsion from Lexington District One or another school district in Lexington or Richland County, it is important to act quickly. These hearings can be scheduled on a short timeline, and early preparation can provide more time to review the allegations and prepare for the hearing.
The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC offers free consultations for families dealing with school expulsion recommendations. Same-day appointments are typically available.
Call (803) 359-3301 to schedule a free consultation about your child's school expulsion case.
All cases are unique, and the information provided here is general information and is not legal advice for any particular student or family. Prior results obtained by an attorney in one matter do not indicate that similar results can be obtained for other clients in other matters.