What does this measure?

The number of students who were suspended from school for at least one full day, expressed as a percentage of total enrollment. Data pertain only to out–of–school suspensions; both short–term and long–term suspensions count as a suspension.

Why is this important?

Suspensions are an indication of the level of misbehavior in schools, which has a negative impact on the education of both suspended and non–suspended students.

How are Cayuga and Seneca counties performing?

In 2009, 6% of students in Cayuga and 5% of students in Seneca had been suspended, similar to the state (excluding NYC) rate of 5%. Rates in both counties peaked around 8% in 2005 and have since declined. Ontario consistently reported the lowest rate, 3% in 2009, while Onondaga reported higher rates, including 9% in 2009. Auburn, Moravia and South Seneca school districts had the highest suspension rates at 7%, while the lowest rate in 2009 was 1% in Romulus.

Notes about the data

Suspension rates may vary by policy and enforcement between schools; thus lower rates do not necessarily mean that students are behaving better.