Compulsory Student Attendance

In accordance with Dane County ordinances and state law, any person having under control a child who is between the ages of five and 18 years shall cause the child to attend school regularly during the full period and hours, religious holidays excepted, that the school in which the child should be enrolled is in session until the end of the school term, quarter or semester of the school year in which the child becomes 18 years of age.

Students and parents/guardians may request alternative attendance options leading to either high school graduation or a high school equivalency diploma.

Procedures shall be developed by the administration to enhance the full attendance requirement and to determine appropriate action to serve as a deterrent to truancy. These procedures shall be applied consistently and fairly. These procedures shall be in accordance with Dane County ordinances and state law. The district shall not deny a student credit in a course or subject solely because of the student’s unexcused absences or suspensions from school.

However, students and parents/guardians need to be aware that grades may be affected or credit denied when homework/make-up work is not completed. (Board Policy 431)

Enforcement of student attendance policies and truancy procedures shall be a shared responsibility between the schools, social service agencies, law enforcement officials, students, parents/guardians and the community at large.