The Board and staff of the River Valley School District believe that a student's education is one of the most important things in his/her life and that the quality of the student's education depends upon the student's physical attendance at school. Because each day of school missed can never be fully made up, it is essential that students attend school regularly.
In accordance with state law, all children between 6 and 18 years of age must attend school full-time, unless they have a legal excuse. Any student who has reached the age of 16 may be excused from school attendance by the Board provided:
a. The student has requested permission to withdraw.
b. The school has received written approval of the student's parent or guardian.
c. The student and his/her parent or guardian agree, in writing, that the student will pursue further education in accordance with state law requirements.
d. The written agreement is approved by the Board.
e. The student complies with the written agreement. If the agreement is suspended due to noncompliance, the student will be expected to resume attendance at school on a regular basis in accordance with state law and Board policy.
Procedures shall be developed by the administration to enhance the full attendance requirement and to determine appropriate action to serve as a deterrent to truancy. These procedures shall be in accordance with recommendations of the respective County Truancy Committee and state law, and shall be approved by the Board.
This policy, along with its implementing procedures, shall be included annually in student and staff handbooks and shall be reviewed with students and staff at the beginning of each year by the building principal/unit leader, or his/her designee. The policy will also be published prior to the beginning of each school year in the Home News.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 118.15 Wisconsin Statutes
118.153
118.16
118.162
118.163
118.165
CROSS REF.: Policy #431-Rule(1) - Student Attendance Guidelines
Policy #431-Rule(2) - Alternative Compulsory Attendance Policy and Procedures
Policy #342.3 - Program for Children at Risk
Policy #432 - Assignment of Students to Elementary Schools
Policy #433 - Student Dismissal Precautions
APPROVED: July 13, 1989
REVISED: February 11, 1999
APPROVED: March 11, 1999
12/21/2004 pw