Parent/guardians within the school District who have children 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 school District at the attendance center designated by the Board. If the student’s classroom or attendance center transitions to required continuous learning opportunities included in the district’s approved Return to Learn Plan, the student’s participation is required. The superintendent may include in the district’s approved Return to Learn Plan an option for parents or guardians who prefer to have students participate in required continuous learning. An enrolled student who does not participate in compulsory remote-learning opportunities offered by the school district during a period of school closure implemented any time during the school year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic shall be considered truant.
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 1,080 hours (180) days. Students of compulsory attendance age, students over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) on September 15, may not 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
- is subject to the Attendance Cooperation Process.
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 school official will investigate the cause for a student’s truancy. If the truancy officer, principal or other school official is unable to secure the truant student’s attendance, the truancy officer, principal or other school official should discuss the next step with the school Board. If after school Board action, the student is still truant, the truancy officer, principal or other school official will refer the matter over 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 school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent 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.