(1) Initial hearing. Before administering any suspension or expulsion, the principal or designee must conduct an informal initial hearing with the student for the purpose of hearing the student's perspective. At the initial hearing, the principal or designee must provide the student:

(a) Notice of the student's violation of the school district's discipline policy adopted under WAC 392-400-110;

(b) An explanation of the evidence regarding the behavioral violation;

(c) An explanation of the discipline that may be administered; and

(d) An opportunity for the student to share the student's perspective and provide explanation regarding the behavioral violation.

(2) Parent participation.

(a) Short-term and in-school suspensions. At an initial hearing in which the principal or designee is considering administering a short-term or in-school suspension, the principal or designee must provide the student an opportunity for the student to contact the student's parents.

(b) Long-term suspensions and expulsions. At an initial hearing in which the principal or designee is considering administering a long-term suspension or expulsion, the principal or designee must make a reasonable attempt to contact the student's parents to provide an opportunity for the parents to participate in the initial hearing in person or by telephone.

(3) Administrative decision. Following the initial hearing, the principal or designee must inform the student of the decision regarding the behavioral violation, including the date on which any suspension or expulsion will begin and end.

(4) Language assistance. The school district must ensure that the initial hearing is held 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.