Board hears first reading of habitual truancy policy for open-enrolled students

The Ashland City Schools Board of Education received a first reading of a proposed update to the district’s habitual truancy policy for open-enrolled students on Oct. 27.

Superintendent Paramore said the policy would give the district an option to require that an open-enrolled student who becomes habitually truant return to their home district. He said the proposal includes several steps before such a removal would occur, including a “friendly nudge letter,” a courtesy letter and intervention-team efforts to address attendance problems.

Paramore said the state recommends districts adopt such a policy and that many districts already have similar provisions. He emphasized that multiple layers of intervention would take place prior to any decision to require a student’s return to their home district.

The item was presented as a first reading; the board was informed the policy would return at a subsequent meeting for further consideration and possible approval. No vote or change in student placement was taken during the Oct. 27 meeting.

The superintendent did not provide specific statutory citations or exact removal thresholds during the first reading; those details were not specified and are expected to appear in future drafts or the board packet prior to any final action.