Westerville district details procedure for three religious-expression absence days

Summary

At a district presentation, a presenter explained that students may take up to three religious-expression days per year that will not count toward excused absences, but that each absence must be preapproved by the building principal using a specific form. Families were directed to school offices and the district calendar page for more information.

A presenter for the Westerville City (Regular School District) said the district allows students up to three days per year for religious expression that do not count toward excused absences. "Students are allowed 3 days per year for religious expression days that do not count towards excused absences," the presenter said.

The presenter said those absences must be preapproved by the building principal on a specific form. "These absences must be preapproved by the building principal on a specific form," the presenter said, and added that families can obtain the form by contacting the building principal or the attendance secretary at the school.

The presenter pointed attendees to the district website, noting the site includes a nonexhaustive list of holidays that may qualify. The presenter said families can view the calendar at westerville.k12.oh.us/calendar and use the Calendars link on the district homepage for navigation.

The presenter reiterated that the holidays list is not exhaustive and encouraged families with questions to contact their building principal or the school attendance secretary for help with the preapproval form. The presentation closed with the presenter thanking attendees for their time and attention.