507 - Truancy - Unexcused Absences

Regular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents/Guardians and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence. Students shall attend school unless excused by the principal/designee of their attendance center.

Truancy is the failure to attend school for the minimum number of days established in the school calendar by the board. Truancy is the act of being absent without a reasonable excuse. These absences shall include, but not be limited to, tardiness, shopping, hunting, concerts, preparation or participation in parties and other celebrations and employment. Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion. It shall be within the discretion of the principal/designee to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy. Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to in-school suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

The truancy officer, principal/designee or other school official will investigate the cause for a student's truancy. If the truancy officer, principal/designee or other school official is unable to secure the truant student's attendance, the truancy officer, principal/designee or other school official should discuss the next step with the superintendent or board. If after board action, the student is still truant, the truancy officer, principal/designee or other school official will refer the matter over to the county attorney for students of compulsory attendance age.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal/designee, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The administrative regulations shall indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.

 

 

Date of Adoption/Revision:
December 21, 1998
June 1999
August 2000
July 2003
July 2006
July 2010
September 2012
August 2015