Parents/guardians within the district who have children over age four (4) and enrolled in the statewide preschool program, over age five (5) and enrolled in the district’s kindergarten program or over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the district at the attendance center designated by the board.
Students will attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of ninety seven percent (97%) of the school year (and/or shall be absent with unexcused absences for no more than three percent (3%) of the school year) Preschool or kindergarten students will attend school a minimum of a proportionate amount of days based upon the preschool or kindergarten schedule. Students not attending the minimum days must be exempted by this policy as listed below or referred to the county attorney.
Students over age four (4) on September 15 and enrolled in the statewide preschool program and students over age five (5) on September 15 and enrolled in the district’s kindergarten program may be allowed to not attend the minimum days only if the student’s parent notifies the district in writing of the parent’s intent to remove the child from the preschool program and/or from enrollment in the district.
Students of compulsory attendance age, students over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) on September 15, may not be required to attend the minimum days only if the student falls into one of the following exemptions:
• has completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
• is attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
• is attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
• is attending an accredited nonpublic school;
• is receiving competent private instruction; or
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.
The truancy officer, principal or other District official will investigate the cause for a student's truancy. If the truancy officer, principal or District official is unable to secure the truant student's attendance, the truancy officer, principal or other District official should discuss the next step with the board. If after Board action, the student is still truant, the truancy officer, principal or other District official will refer the matter to the county attorney for students of compulsory attendance age. Truant students who have not yet completed sixth grade will be subject to the Attendance Cooperation Process outlined in the supporting administrative regulation.
The district will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent will represent the district in mediation. The district will monitor the student's compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney.
Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016, May 24, 2021
Revised: 02/24/17