05- 071 C.M.R. ch. 128, § 12

Current through 2024-25, June 19, 2024

Section 071-128-12 - School Board Policies Required

You will note on the first page of Section 911, sub-section 5, the statement requiring local boards to promulgate rules and regulations and to file a copy of these with the Commissioner. Such rules and regulations will be included in school board policies on the subjects identified in the legislation. It is expected that many of the needed policies are already in existence, but it may be necessary to adopt additional policies. Once all appropriate local policies have been adopted, these would become the rules and regulations required. The set of policies must then be submitted to the Commissioner prior to October l, 1978. Any subsequent policy changes must be submitted upon adoption.

From a review of this legislation, it is apparent that policies are needed in the following areas:

A. Excused absences - Although excused absences are specifically identified In the legislation, policies are needed to provide guidance to local administrators.

B. Unexcused absences - All absences that are not included in #1 above are unexcused absences.

C. Information required to be maintained on truant pupils:

1. What to collect

2. How to maintain

3. Adherence to confidentiality

D. Procedures for referral of truancy matters from the principal to the superintendent.

E. Procedures for referral of truancy matters from the superintendent to the school board.

F. Procedures for notification of parents regarding hearing before the school board.

G. Procedures for waiving of compulsory attendance and for parent appeal if attendance is waived.

H. Procedures for bringing legal action against the parent under subsection 8 of 20 MRSA911.

I. Procedures for pupil to obtain work permit.

J. Procedures for excusing 14 year-old pupil for "suitable program of work, work study or training" and procedures for involving pupil in-program selection.

It is possible that some policies addressing the preceding areas are already in effect through the Positive Action Committee Dropout Plan; You are, .therefore, reminded to coordinate the development of the rules and regulations required under this legislation with the local plan for dealing with dropouts which is required by statute ( 20 MRSA931 - 933 ).

05- 071 C.M.R. ch. 128, § 12