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McKenzie’s Board of Education met Tuesday afternoon, August 7, with a brief agenda. The Board approved the first reading of several amendments to the Board of Education policy manual.
The first amendment concerned background investigations of applicants and employees. The policy now reads; “To ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff, the district shall require criminal history background checks and fingerprinting of applicants for teaching positions and any other positions that require proximity to children. Further, applicants who (1) have been identified by the Department of Children’s Services as perpetrators of child abuse, severe child abuse, child sexual abuse, or child neglect, or who pose an immediate threat to the health, safety, or welfare of children; or (2) who are listed on the state’s abuse of vulnerable persons registry maintained by the Department of Health shall not be employed. Any costs incurred to perform these background checks and fingerprinting shall be paid by the applicant. The Board shall reimburse the applicant if the position is offered and accepted. Background checks shall be required of these employees at least once every five (5) years after the date of hire.”
The truancy section of the Board’s attendance policy was amended to read that the Director of Schools or a designee will provide written notice to parents or guardians that attendance at school is required. Students are to be present at least 50 percent of the scheduled school day to be counted present. Students may attend part-time days, alternating days, or for a specific time indicated in their Individualized Educations Plan (IEP) and will be considered present for school attendance purposes. If a student is required to participate in a remedial instruction program outside of the regular school day where there is no cost to the parents or guardians and the school system provides transportation, unexused absences from these programs shall be reported in the same manner.
A student who is absent five days without adequate excuse will be reported to the Director of Schools or a designee who will in turn provide written notice to parents or guardians of the absences. If documentation is not provided within adequate time period excusing those absences, or request an attendance hearing, then the Director of Schools shall implement a three-step progressive truancy intervention plan prior to referral to juvenile court.
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