Code of Maine Rules
05 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
071 - EDUCATION - GENERAL
Chapter 128 - TRUANTS AND DROPOUTS GUIDELINES
Section 071-128-3 - Excusable Absences Defined

Universal Citation: 05 ME Code Rules § 071-128-3

Current through 2025-13, March 26, 2025

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."

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