501.09R1 Procedures for Unexcused Absences

PROCEDURES FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Definition.  Regular attendance is very important if a student is to receive maximum benefits from the instructional program.  There are times when a student has no control over his/her attendance because of illness or other emergencies.  However, a student and/or his/her parents does have control over unexcused absences.  Therefore, a student who has an unexcused absence may be subject to disciplinary action.

Any of the following shall be deemed an unexcused absence:

  1. Failure to  attend school without consent of the building principal or its designee.
  2. Leaving the school building or grounds without first obtaining permission from the office.
  3. Failure to report to a class, assigned study hall, or other area without permission from the office, faculty member, or nurse.
  4. Leaving any assigned area without the permission of the person in charge.

Responding to Unexcused Absences.

The attendance liaison officer shall make contact with the student and/or the student's parents.  If a student has three unexcused absences from a class, the parents will be contacted to develop a plan for intervention and will be provided written notice that additional unexcused absences may result in loss of credit for the class.  If a high school student has five unexcused absences from a class in a semester, the student may be dropped from the class with loss of credit for the class.  The student may appeal this decision utilizing the student complaint procedure.  The student will remain enrolled in the class while the appeal is pending.

After a student has accrued five instances of unexcused absences and the building-level administration has exhausted means available to the school to assure that the student is in regular attendance a registered letter will be forwarded to the County Attorney and to the parent/guardian.  The County Attorney's Office will make the final decision in regard to mediation and/or prosecution.

 

Date of Last Review:  October 14, 2019

Date of Revision:   October 14, 2019

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