CHESTERTON | Expulsions in the Duneland School Corporation, as well as the number of students in the district's due process system, declined slightly in the last school year.

In 2007-2008, 46 of 96 students referred to the expulsion system were eventually expelled, said Mark McKibben, the school district's director of special services.

The year before, 49 of 103 students were expelled.

Truancy or tardiness was the top violation leading to the expulsion process in 2007-2008, with 45 students. Another 24 were in the category covering disobedience, disrespect, defiance, disruption or harassment. Eighteen students fell afoul of drug and tobacco rules.

By contrast, in 2006-2007, 39 students were referred for disobedience, 30 for truancy and 25 for drugs.

Weapons, theft and fighting violations also landed several students in trouble each year.

Students from grades 6 to 12 were handled in the process each year.

2007-2008 Duneland Schools

Student violations referred for expulsion/probation

Truancy/tardy -- 45

Disobedience/disrespect/defiance/disruption/harassment -- 24

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco -- 18

Theft/Vandalism -- 4

Fighting -- 4

Weapon -- 1 (box cutter)

Total -- 96