By Andy Ostmeyer

aostmeyer@joplinglobe.com

Joplin school officials said they couldn't, by law, comment on a suspension after conducting a due-process hearing Tuesday for Thomas White, the teenager accused in last week's gun incident at Memorial Middle School.

Superintendent Jim Simpson and Assistant Superintendent Doug Domer cited the fact that the student is a juvenile and that disciplinary cases are closed to the public.

"All we can do is refer you to the law," Domer said.

The maximum penalty administrators can give White is a suspension of not less than one school year, which is mandatory under the Missouri Safe Schools Act.

White also could be expelled permanently from the Joplin R-8 School District, but that decision is up to the school board.

Jim Coburn, board president, said board members have not had any discussion about the matter, and that they will listen to the recommendation of the administration and conduct another due-process hearing before making a decision.

"I frankly don't expect him to be put back in the Joplin school system," Chuck Lonardo, the Joplin attorney representing White, said Tuesday.

He said White would be a "marked" student if he returned to the Joplin public schools.

White, 13, is accused of firing an assault rifle into the ceiling of Memorial Middle School on Monday, Oct. 9. He also allegedly pointed the loaded weapon at students, teachers and administrators, and attempted to fire at Principal Steve Gilbreth, but the gun jammed.

The administration was represented at Tuesday's hearing by Simpson, Domer and John Nicholas, the attorney for the school board. White, his parents and Lonardo also were present.

White has been charged as a juvenile with first-degree assault, armed criminal action and making a terrorist threat, as well as attempted escape after he was taken into custody.

No date has been set for a hearing on whether White should be certified to face the charges as an adult, said Dana Sanders, chief juvenile officer for Jasper County. County authorities are gathering information before making a recommendation.

"The next step is up to the juvenile office," Lonardo said.