JFAA - Admission of Resident Students

JFAA - ADMISSION OF RESIDENT STUDENTS

1. Purpose
   The Regional School Unit 21 (RSU 21) shall comply with all legal requirements regarding the admission of resident students and any exceptions to such general residency rules.
2. Definitions
   1. “Parent” means a parent or guardian with legal custody. Guardianship shall be substantiated by a copy of a court order or probated will appointing a person the guardian of the student, i.e., a person who has all parental rights with respect to a minor child.  No student shall be entitled to admittance or enrollment on the basis of a guardian’s residency in the school unit if the guardianship is a limited guardianship (such as a guardianship for education purposes) or a guardianship established by a power of attorney.
   2. “Reside” is defined as living in and maintaining a “residence” in the school unit during the year for which a student’s admittance/enrollment is sought.
   3. “Residence” means bona fide residence, one’s actual residence maintained in good faith, the place where important family activity takes place – the place where the family eats, sleeps, and lives.  While it is possible for an individual to maintain property and pay taxes in more than one location, “residence” means the place where the Parent maintains their and the student’s home.  “Residence” does not include a temporary or superficial residence in the school unit such as, for example, a “winter rental” or a lease during the school year for the purpose only of attending school in the school unit while the student’s Parent maintains a home elsewhere.
3. Standards
   Students of legal school age are eligible to attend schools in RSU 21 if their Parent resides in RSU 21. 
   A student of legal school age who is 18 years of age or older or who is an emancipated minor is eligible to attend schools in RSU 21 if they reside in RSU 21.  Such students must provide adequate proof of residency in accordance with this Policy.
   Resident students entering school for the first time shall be admitted upon presentation of an original birth certificate to the Principal or designee, along with a record of required immunizations and pertinent health records, and compliance with any other legal requirements.
   Resident students who are transferring into the school system shall be admitted on the basis of age, immunizations, academic, and discipline records received from the previous school.  Original documentation may be required if deemed necessary to appropriately determine a student’s eligibility for enrollment and assignment.
4. Appeals
   A student’s Parent is responsible for providing the school unit with adequate proof of residency.  The Superintendent is authorized to verify and determine residency in all cases, including having a Parent provide documentation and/or sign a residency affidavit.  The student's Parent may appeal the Superintendent's determination by writing to the Board within ten (10) business days of that determination. 
   
   The Board will meet in executive session in the next regular or special business meeting.  After the executive session, the Board will respond in writing within five (5) business days.   The decision of the Board is final.

Legal References:

20-A M.R.S.A §§ 5201-5205, 6001-B; 6002

Maine Commissioner of Ed. Administrative Letter No. 13, 10/9/97

Cross References:

JFAB – Admission of Non-Resident Students

JGAA - Assignment of Students to Classes - 5 year olds

JLG - Education of Homeless Children and Youth

JFABD - Education of Homeless Students

Adopted: 04/11/2016

Revised: 03/02/2026