Parents within the school 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 and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school 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 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 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 not attending the minimum days must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney.
Exceptions to this policy include children who:
- have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
- are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
- are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
- are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
- are attending an accredited nonpublic school; or,
- are receiving competent private instruction.
It is the responsibility of the parent 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 designated truancy officer will investigate the cause for a student’s truancy. If the designated truancy officer is unable to secure the truant student’s attendance, the truancy officer should discuss the next step with the Superintendent. If after school board action, the student is still truant, the truancy officer will refer the matter over to the county attorney.
The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent or designee will represent the school district in mediation. The school district will monitor the student’s compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney.
(June 22, 1981, April 17, 1989; June 15, 1992; July 19, 1993: April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015, August 19, 2019)