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Board approves first reading of revised admission and placement policy after questions on withdrawal age
Summary
Board approved Policy 5111 for a first reading to reflect state changes: kindergarten eligibility is set to Sept. 1 and statutory language about withdrawal was updated from 17 to 18 in places; members questioned the statute’s wording on parental consent for 17‑ vs. 18‑year‑olds before approving the first reading.
The Regional School District 12 Board of Education approved Policy 5111 (Admission and Placement) for a first reading after discussion over changes required by recent state law.
Board Chair explained the policy updates mirror state changes that set kindergarten eligibility to children who reach age 5 on or before Sept. 1 of the school year (a reversal from a previous Jan. 1 date) and that the statute includes new language about withdrawal and parental consent for 17‑ and 18‑year‑olds. Several board members sought clarification about what the statute actually requires.
"The language is confusing," the chair said, noting that the statute appears to allow parental consent to withdraw an 18‑year‑old and requires demonstration of placement in adult education if a 17‑year‑old is withdrawn. A staff member who reviewed the statute with counsel explained that the district interpreted the statute to mean parents may consent to withdrawal at 18 without requiring placement in an adult‑education program, whereas withdrawal of a 17‑year‑old requires proof of enrollment in an adult‑education program.
After discussion the board approved the policy for first reading. The first reading moves the policy forward for any required administrative regulation drafting and future votes.
