Whenever the superintendent of a school district has reason to believe that cause exists for the dismissal of a teacher and is of the opinion that the immediate suspension of the teacher would be in the best interests of the children in the district, the superintendent or the local board of education upon receiving recommendation for suspension from the superintendent may suspend the teacher without notice or hearing. However, the suspension shall not deprive the teacher of any compensation or other benefits to which otherwise entitled. Within ten (10) days' time after the suspension becomes effective, the local board of education shall initiate a hearing for dismissal pursuant to law.
However, in a case involving a criminal charge or indictment, the suspension may extend until the case for the teacher is finally adjudicated at trial. The extension shall not include any appeal process.
Added by Laws 1989, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 2, § 84, operative July 1, 1990. Amended by Laws 1992, c. 34, § 2, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 2011, c. 40, § 5.