Policy Title: Compulsory Attendance Code No.: 501
Parent/guardians 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 (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.
Students will attend school the number of days or hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 175 days or in the case of Preschool or kindergarten, students will attend school a minimum of 165 days.
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 of compulsory attendance age, students over age five (5) and under age sixteen
- on September 15, may not attend the minimum days or hours 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 shall 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 eighth 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.
Date of Adoption/Revision:
July 2003
July 2006
July 2010
September 2012
August 2015
February 2021
