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Board reviews attendance rule changes: notices after three unexcused absences now must include consequences
Summary
The committee reviewed AR 204 to implement a state law that defines 'habitually truant' (six unexcused absences) and requires family notices after a third unexcused absence to include consequences and a statement about cyber‑charter transfers; board members discussed community‑based interventions versus citation routes.
The policy committee reviewed administrative regulation AR 204 (attendance) to align Cheltenham School District notices with a recent Pennsylvania law about truancy and transfer to cyber charter schools.
Staff summarized the substantive change: Pennsylvania defines “habitually truant” as six unexcused absences in a school year. Under the updated law, the district’s notice to families after a third unexcused absence must include potential consequences if the student becomes habitually truant and must state that a habitually truant student may not transfer to a cyber charter school unless a judge determines it is in the child’s best interest.
Board members asked how the district balances community‑based attendance improvement plans with pursuing citations. One board member asked whether the district should commit at the policy level to exhaust community‑based levers before citations. Staff responded that community programs (some run by the Intermediate Unit) are helpful but can be slow or at capacity; when cases reach truancy hearings, local judges often take student‑centered approaches such as continuances and ordered supports rather than immediate punitive fines.
Staff said the family notices will be updated and that teams in the district have been alerted to the requirement. The committee did not take a vote on the policy changes tonight; the AR will be finalized and returned for the required readings.
