Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Attendance Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
School committee discusses new language to require unenrollment after extended absences beyond 10 days
Summary
Committee reviewed proposed additions to policy on absences and dropout prevention to address extended out‑of‑state or international travel; draft would require caregivers to unenroll students who will be absent more than 10 consecutive school days unless alternatives (homeschool, local enrollment) are arranged.
School administrators and committee members debated revised language for the district’s policy on absences and dropout prevention during the May 15 meeting, focusing on how to handle extended travel that keeps students out of class for more than 10 consecutive school days.
Susan (district staff) explained that the change responds to increasing numbers of students who travel during the academic year to visit family or attend programs in other countries. "As our diversity changes, travel is happening more frequently during the school year because different times align in different countries," she said, adding that unenrollment language helps the district keep DESE attendance data accurate and avoid long periods where students do not return.
The proposed paragraph states that prior to any travel that will result in a student's absence of more than 10 consecutive school days, the caregiver must unenroll the child by contacting the building principal; the caregiver may submit a homeschool application or enroll in a local school where the student is traveling to maintain education while away.
Committee members raised concerns about rigid unenrollment language, asking for principal discretion or a waiver process to avoid penalizing families—especially those traveling to visit relatives abroad or participating in short‑term athletic academies. Member Don suggested adding language to allow the principal to grant exceptions; other committee members asked for legal review. Jess, speaking for an attendance task force, said 10 days is typical among surrounding districts and that the proposed change is intended to protect data integrity and ensure appropriate follow‑up if families do not return.
Administrators cautioned that state attendance and special education laws also affect the district’s obligations; staff noted that long absences can trigger compensatory service considerations for students with Individualized Education Programs.
The committee did not vote on the revision; members asked staff to return the draft with suggested edits and legal counsel review. Committee members also asked to involve the attendance task force in refining the language before a future vote.
