NEPN/NSA Code: JEA
MSAD 15 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADOPTED 6/1/05
REVISED 3/5/08
It is the policy of Maine School Administrative District #15 to promote student achievement through regular attendance at school. Compulsory education is essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties of the people and the continued prosperity of our nation. Maintaining regular student attendance is necessary to achieve the goal of an educated citizenry.
Under state law, full-time attendance at school is required of all children between the ages of 7 and 17.
A personŐs absence from school is excused when the absence is for one of the following reasons:
A. Personal illness;
B. An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day;
C. Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day;
D. A family emergency;
E. A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose which has been approved by an administrator; or
F. Education disruption resulting from homelessness, unplanned psychiatric hospitalization, unplanned hospitalization for a medical emergency, foster care placement, youth development placement or some other out-of-district placement that is not otherwise authorized by either any individual education plan or a superintendentsŐ student transfer agreement. ŇEducation disruptionÓ does not apply to a student who is out of school for 10 or more consecutive school days as a result of a planned absence for a reason such as a family event or a medical absence for planned hospitalization or recovery.
Parents or other adults having control of a person of compulsory attendance age are responsible for ensuring that a student attends school as required by law. The Board expects school administrators and staff to work with families in an effort to ensure compliance. For the purpose of this policy, ŇparentÓ is defined as parent, legal guardian, or other adults having control of the student.
A person may be excused from compulsory attendance at school under one of the following conditions:
A. He/she graduates from high school before his/her 17th birthday.
B. He/she has:
1. Reached the age of 15 years or completed the 9th grade;
2. Received permission to leave school from his/her parent;
3. Been approved by the principal for a suitable program of work and study or training;
4. Received permission to leave school from the Board or its designee; and
5. Agreed in writing with that personŐs parent and the Board or its designee to meet annually until that personŐs 17th birthday to review that personŐs educational needs.
If a request to be excused from school is denied pursuant to this paragraph, the studentŐs parent may appeal to the Commissioner of Education.
C. He/she has matriculated and is attending an accredited, post-secondary, degree-granting institution as a full-time student. An exception to the compulsory attendance law under this paragraph must be approved by the Commissioner of Education.
A person shall be excused from attending a public day school if he/she obtains equivalent instruction as allowed by law.
Equivalent instruction alternatives are as follows:
A. A private school approved for attendance purposes pursuant to state law and regulations;
B. A private school recognized by the Department of Education as providing equivalent instruction;
C. A home instruction program that complies with state law and regulations; or
D. Any other manner arranged by the Board and approved by the Commissioner of Education.
A student shall be credited with attendance at a private school under Paragraphs A or B only if the legally required certificate from the private school is filed with the studentŐs school unit.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA ¤ 5001-A et seq.; 5051 et seq.; 2901; 5104-A;
Chapters 125 and 127 (Maine Department of Education Rules)
Cross Reference: JFC Dropout Prevention Committee Policy
JHB Truancy Policy
IHBG Home Instruction Program