Attendance Policies
Attendance Policies
Minnesota Statute 120A.22 Subd. 1: Parental Responsibility
- the parent of a child is primarily responsible for assuring that the child acquires knowledge and skills that are essential for effective citizenship.
- child illness, medical, dental, orthodontic, or counseling appointments;
- family emergencies;
- the death or serious illness or funeral of an immediate family members;
- active duty in any military branch of the United States;
- the child has a condition that requires ongoing treatment for a mental health diagnosis; and
- other exemptions included in the district's school attendance policy.
- any person who fails or refuses to provide for instruction of a child of whom the person has legal custody, and who is required by section 120A. 22 subdivision 5, to receive instruction, when notifies so do by a truant officer or other official, or any person who induces or attempts to induce any child unlawfully to be absent from school, or who knowingly harbors or employs, while school is in session, any child unlawfully absent from school, shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
When does my student's truancy become educational neglect?
Minnesota Statute 260C.007 Subd. 6(3) and Subd. 6(14)
Minnesota Statute 260C. 425 Sudb. 1(a)
- "child in need of protection services" means:
- a child is in need of protection or services because the child is without necessary education because the child's parent, guardian, or custodian is unable or unwilling to provide that care.
- a child who is in need of protection or services because the child is a habitual truant.
Minnesota Statute 260C. 425 Sudb. 1(a)
- any person who by act, word, or omission encourages, causes, or contributes to the need for protection or services is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
- the juvenile court has civil jurisdiction over persons contributing to the need for protection or services of a child under the provision of this section.
What should I expect if the court gets involved with my student's truancy case?
Depending on the circumstances of your student's truancy, it is possible that the court will become involved. If this happens, your family may expect court orders such as:
- lawful school attendance,
- cooperate with assigned Community Contracted Agency,
- submit to mental health, chemical dependency, or other therapeutic evaluations and follow recommendations from said evaluations, and
- individual and family counseling.