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State Board advances Chapter 32 change to allow one state‑excused civic absence per year for grades 6–12; confirms two directors
Summary
At a second discussion, Assistant Commissioner Ambrose Duckett outlined proposed Chapter 32 amendments giving students in grades 6–12 one state‑excused absence per year for approved civic events (with five days' notice). The board also approved two departmental appointments and adopted a resolution recognizing School Board Recognition Month.
Assistant Commissioner Ambrose Duckett presented a second discussion of proposed amendments to Chapter 32 of the school district operations code that implement Public Law chapter 274 (January 2024), explaining the state proposal would allow one state‑excused absence per school year for students in grades 6 through 12 to attend an approved civic event.
"It's one excused absence per year for a civic event given five days' notice with the school district," Duckett told the board, defining a civic event as one sponsored by a government entity, a community‑based organization or a nonprofit that incorporates service learning and addresses issues of public concern such as community health and safety, the environment, economic issues or community well‑being.
Duckett emphasized the changes set a statewide minimum and said districts retain local control over any additional absences: "If a school, like a civics class, wanted a student to attend more, that would be a local control issue," he said. The amendments were presented as a second discussion; Duckett said there had been no public comments between the first and second readings.
The board also approved two senior department appointments. Roni Singh was confirmed as director of the Office of Recruitment, Preparation and Certification, and Natalie Doherty was confirmed as the first director of the Office of Learning, Equity and Academic Recovery. Motions for both appointments were made and approved by voice vote.
Separately, the board adopted a resolution recognizing January 2025 as School Board Recognition Month, thanking local board members and encouraging qualified residents to consider service on local boards of education.
Why it matters: The Chapter 32 amendments establish a uniform state‑excused absence category for civic engagement for secondary students, aligning state regulation with Public Law chapter 274 and clarifying that districts will manage local implementation details.
Next steps: The board reviewed the second discussion and invited further questions; no final rule adoption was recorded at this meeting. The meeting adjourned after concluding the agenda.
