POLICY NUMBER: 5.187.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To clarify the responsibilities of the District concerning students with excessive unexcused absences.

SUMMARY: This revision sets forth the statutory definition of "habitual truancy;" brings together the statutory requirements for reporting students with excessive absences; outlines the statutory guidelines for filing a petition for truancy or a petition for a child-in-need-of-services; reiterates the school's authority to impose discipline on students for leaving campus or a class without authorization, or failing to attend specific classes even though present at school.

SPECIFIC RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: §§ 230.22(2); 230.23(6); 230.23(22); 232.17, 232.19, Fla. Stat.

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: §§ 230.23(6)(b); 230.23(6)(c); 232.16; 232.17, 232.19; 322.091, 984.151, Fla. Stat.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST (IF ONE HAS BEEN PREPARED): None. Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or to provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative, must do so in writing within 21 days of the publication of this Notice.

TEXT OF PROPOSED POLICY: Is available from the District's website at www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/LLP/revisions.asp (or from Office of Public Affairs, 3336 Forest Hill Blvd. Ste. B-102, West Palm Beach, FL 33406).

CONTACT PERSON: Dr. Joseph Orr, 3340 Forest Hill Blvd. C-316, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

PERSONS ORIGINATING THE PROPOSED POLICY REVISION: JulieAnn Rico Allison.

SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED POLICY: Dr. Art Johnson.

DATE PROPOSED POLICY WAS APPROVED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD: June 3, 2002.

HEARING INFORMATION: Adoption of the proposed Policy will be considered at the School Board's Special Meeting on Policies on July 8, 2002 in the Board Chambers at 3300 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, Fla. The meeting is open to the public.