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Truancy

For cumulative unexcused absences of ten or more that count toward truancy, a student between the ages of six and sixteen is truant, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, and the Principal or designee shall:

a. Make a determination regarding the need for a court referral for the truancy, per N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6(a)4.iv. and G.4. below;

b. Continue to consult with the parent and the involved agencies to support the student’s return to school and regular attendance;

c. Cooperate with law enforcement and other authorities and agencies, as appropriate; and

d. Proceed in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:38-28 through 31, Article 3B, Compelling Attendance at School, and other applicable State and Federal statutes, as required; and

A court referral may be made as follows:

a. When unexcused absences that count toward truancy are determined by school officials to be violations of the compulsory education law, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, and the Board’s policies, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6(a), the parent may be referred to Municipal Court;

(1) A written report of the actions the school has taken regarding the student’s attendance shall be forwarded to the Municipal Court; or

b. When there is evidence of a juvenile-family crisis, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-22.g., the student may be referred to Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part;

(1) A written report of the actions the school has taken regarding the student’s attendance shall be forwarded to the Juvenile-Family Crisis Intervention Unit.