Code: JFC

DROPOUT PREVENTION

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

The Board believes that a high school diploma signifies the minimum preparation for life. Therefore, the Board strongly urges every teacher, guidance counselor, principal, parent, and citizen to exert influence to keep all students in school through high school.

Dropout Prevention Committee

In order to reduce the school dropout rate, the Superintendent shall establish a Dropout Prevention Committee to study the problem of dropouts, habitual truancy, and the need for alternative programs, kindergarten to grade 12. The Committee will meet at least annually, make recommendations for addressing the problem, and submit a plan of action to the Board in accordance with the provisions in Maine law. The Committee will consider the following when developing its plan: reasons why students drop out of school; maintenance of continuing contacts with recent dropouts in order to extend opportunities for alternate educational program, counseling, and referral; education of teachers and administrators about the dropout problem; use of human services programs to help dropouts; the Board's policies on suspension, expulsion, and other disciplinary action; and discriminatory practices and attitudes within the unit.

Committee Membership

As required by law, the Dropout Prevention Committee shall be composed of the following members:

A. A member of the Board selected by the Board;

B. A school administrator selected by the Superintendent;

C. A teacher and a school counselor selected by the teachers' organization;

D. A parent selected by the local parent group or by the Board if no such group exists;

E. A school attendance coordinator from the school system selected by the Superintendent;

F. A high school student selected by the Dropout Prevention Committee members selected in paragraphs A to E;

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Code: JFC

G. A dropout selected by the Dropout Prevention Committee members selected in paragraphs A to E; and

H. A community resident of the district selected by the Dropout Prevention Committee members selected in paragraphs A to E.

The Board recognizes the importance of success as a motivator and as a factor in a student's commitment to education. For those students who have been identified as at risk of dropping out, every effort will be made to provide alternative instructional arrangements that take into account both the student's need for success and the unit's commitment to adequate minimum standards of achievement.

Student Withdrawal From School

In the event that students do withdraw from school, school administrators shall arrange for regular contacts to be made with them for the purpose of informing them of the process for readmission, making them aware of alternatives in the community for continuing their education and stating the unit's willingness to assist them in their educational efforts.

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § § 5001-A; 5102-5103

Cross Reference: JEA - Compulsory Attendance Ages

First Reading: January 5, 2000

Adopted: February 2, 2000

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