STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The number of students suspended in public schools across New York City last academic year has dropped, including in Staten Island schools, when compared to prior school year, according to recently released data.

New York City Department of Education data reveals that suspensions citywide decreased about 2% in public schools from the 2023-2024 school year, with 27,724 total suspensions, compared to the 2024-2025 school year, with 27,143 total suspensions.

Students can be suspended for infractions such as using force or inflicting serious injury to school safety agents, school personnel or other students, or bringing in a weapon.

Staten Island public schools also experienced a decline in suspensions year-over-year – an approximate 6% decrease in the 2024-2025 school year when compared to the prior year, according to the recently released data.

There were more principal suspensions last year than in the 2023-2024 school year, while superintendent suspensions went down drastically last year.

Suspension Type
2024-2025
2023-2024

Principal suspensions
1,216
1,169

Superintendent suspensions
387
536

Total suspensions
1,603
1,705

Principal suspensions

According to the DOE’s Discipline Code, principal suspensions occur when the principal has the authority to suspend a student for one to five days for behavior that presents a clear and present danger of physical injury to the student in question, other students or school personnel, or prevents the orderly operation of classes or other school activities.

The parent of a student on principal’s suspension has the right to have a conference with the principal. Schools are required to provide the student with alternative instruction within the school.

Superintendent suspensions

A superintendent suspension is imposed for more serious behavior and may result in a period of suspension that exceeds five days. The behavior could include bringing a weapon to school, selling or distributing illegal drugs or controlled substances, using extreme force against or inflicting or attempting to inflict serious injury upon students, school personnel, school safety agents, or others.

The CEO of the DOE Office of Safety and Youth Development/designee must approve suspensions of this type for high school students. The suspension of students in grades K-8 must be authorized by the CEO/designee of the community superintendent, or other designee of the chancellor.

A student who receives a superintendent suspension must be given the opportunity for a hearing where they can present evidence and witnesses and question the school’s witnesses and have counsel present.

Students in elementary school are assigned to a “buddy school,” while students in grades 6-12 are assigned to an alternate learning center, where students are given a full-time instructional program. While on suspension, students are given appropriate support to meet social/behavioral and academic standards when they return to their home school.

Citywide suspensions

According to city data, the total number of suspensions decreased in the 2024-2025 school year compared to the year prior. The number of principal suspensions went up slightly, while the number of superintendent suspensions experienced a drop.

NYC School Suspensions
Principal Suspensions
Superintendent Suspensions
Total Suspensions

2024-2025 School Year
21,555
5,588
27,143

2023-2024 School Year
21,493
6,231
27,724

“Keeping our students and communities safe is at the core of our work at New York City Public Schools,” said Jenna Lyle, a spokesperson for the DOE. “We are proud that over the past year, we have decreased overall suspensions, with superintendent suspensions decreasing by more than 10 percent — keeping more children in class, engaged and learning each day.”

Lyle added that this work “must be ongoing,” which is why the city continues to prioritize restorative justice and social emotional learning work in schools.

“While our young people follow school rules – including the Discipline Code – we are continuously working towards encouraging schools to address any issues in a positive, supportive, and less punitive manner where possible,” said Lyle.

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