43(1)The district appeals committee shall hold a hearing, as soon as is practicable, to consider the appeal.

43(2)The District Education Council concerned shall determine the date, time and place of the hearing, notify the parties to the appeal and the members of the district appeals committee of such date, time and place at least twenty-four hours before the date of the hearing and make any other necessary arrangement for the hearing.

43(3)The person making the appeal and the person who made the decision in respect of placement, suspended the pupil or denied access to pupil records have the right to attend the hearing, may be accompanied by any person serving in an advocacy or support capacity, and may submit relevant information and question witnesses.

43(4)Prior to the hearing, each party to the appeal shall ensure that all relevant information and documents respecting the decision in respect of placement, suspension of the pupil or denial of access to pupil records and the basis for the appeal is provided to the district appeals committee and to each other.

43(5)The district appeals committee may uphold, vary or revoke the decision of the school appeals committee or the decision in respect of placement, the suspension of the pupil or the denial of access to pupil records, as the case may be.

43(6)The decision of the district appeals committee, with reasons, shall be in writing and shall be forwarded to the parties to the appeal within five teaching days after the hearing.

43(7)A decision of the majority is a decision of the district appeals committee, and the decision of the district appeals committee is final.