• COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

     

    Wisconsin Statute 118.15, 118.153, 118.16, 118.62

     

    Any person having under control a child who is between the ages of six (6) and eighteen (18) years shall cause the child to attend school regularly during the full period and hours that the public or private 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 eighteen (18) years of age. Students at the age of 18 may have an “Age of Majority” form on file that must be signed by a parent or guardian and approved by administration. Students who have an “Age of Majority” on file are still only allowed 5 absences per semester and all rights for excusal are shared with their parents or guardians.  Modifications of this policy as cited in Wisconsin 118.15 requires the prior approval of the Board of Education.

     

     

    Wisconsin Act 239: Truancy

     

    In accordance with Wisconsin Act 239, truancy (or being a truant) is defined as a pupil who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of a school day.

    This means any absence of part or all of one or more school days during which the attendance office has not been notified of the acceptable reason for absence is considered by State Law as truancy.

     

    “Habitual Truant” means a pupil who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five or more days on which school is held during a school semester. The school attendance office shall notify the parent or guardian of a student who is a habitual truant in accordance with Wisconsin Act 239.

    Any student who meets the legal definition of “habitual truant” and continues a pattern of non-attendance will be subject to the following procedures:

    1.  Formal notice is sent to parents/legal guardians informing them of their child’s status as a habitual truant and requesting their presence at a school meeting.

    2.  A meeting is held to inform parents/legal guardians of the habitual truancy laws and procedures.

    3. A citation referral will be forwarded to the high school police liaison officer, at which point a ticket including fine and/or court appearance may be requested.

    4. Referral to Jefferson County Human Services will be completed upon continued habitual truancy.