Students age 16 or older identified by themselves or staff as potential dropouts shall become a focus of attention in the following manner:
Reasonable efforts shall be made to persuade the student to remain in school and complete requirements for a diploma. If unsuccessful at that, staff shall attempt to find placement in an appropriate alternative educational setting. Failing that, the principal shall determine if there are sufficient grounds to excuse the student from continued compulsory attendance. If there are, the principal shall recommend to the superintendent that the student be excused from further school attendance. No student under the age of 18 will be permitted to withdraw unless he or she is lawfully and regularly employed and either a parent agrees that the student should not be required to attend school, or the student has been emancipated in accordance with Chapter 13.64 RCW. No student under the age of 16 will be permitted to withdraw from further school attendance unless another exception to compulsory attendance has been met.
The board directs the superintendent to submit an annual early withdrawal report which outlines the age and grade level for each student, the reason(s) for leaving and any follow-up data that has been collected after the student has withdrawn.
Cross References: Board Policy 2090 Program Evaluation
Board Policy 2108 Remediation Program
Board Policy 2121 Substance Abuse Program
Board Policy 2140 Guidance and Counseling
Board Policy 3121 Compulsory Attendance
Legal References: RCW 28A.225.010 Attendance mandatory — Age — Persons having custody shall cause child to attend public school — When excused
Adoption Date: June 2005