05- 071 C.M.R. ch. 128, § 3

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 071-128-3 - Excusable Absences Defined

In the past, it has been the responsibility of local school boards and their school administrators to determine what action would constitute an excused absence and, in turn, what action would constitute an unexcused absence. This legislation now provides specific delineation of excusable absences; absences for reasons other than those specified would be considered unexcused. Excusable absences are defined as follows:

A. Personal illness;

B. Appointments with health professionals that cannot be made outside of the regular school day;

C. Observance of recognized religious holidays when the observance is required during a regular school day;

D. Emergency family situations; or

E. Planned absences for personal or educational purposes which have been approved.

Questions have been posed about excusable absences. This does give flexibility to local school officials to decide what is acceptable as a "planned absence for personal or educational purposes."

05- 071 C.M.R. ch. 128, § 3