Skip To Main Content

Maine RSU 21

Maine Regional School Unit 21

Arundel · Kennebunk · Kennebunkport

JFC - DROPOUT PREVENTION COMMITTEE AND STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

  • Section J: Students

JFC - DROPOUT PREVENTION COMMITTEE AND STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL  

  1. Basis for this Policy

The RSU 21 Board of Directors believes that a high school diploma signifies the minimum preparation for a successful and fulfilling adulthood. Therefore, the Board strongly urges every teacher, guidance counselor, principal, parent, and citizen to collaborate in supporting the graduation of all students from high school.

  1. Establishment of a Dropout Prevention Committee. In order to reduce the school dropout rate, the Superintendent shall establish a Dropout Prevention Committee to study the problem of (1) dropouts, (2) habitual truancy, (3) chronic absenteeism, and (4) the need for alternative education programs, kindergarten to grade 12.  The Committee will meet at least annually, make recommendations for addressing the problem, and submit a plan of action to the Board, to be periodically updated, in accordance with the provisions in Maine law.   The Committee will consider the following when developing its plan: (1) reasons why students drop out of school; (2) maintenance of continuing contacts with students who have recently dropped out in order to extend opportunities for alternative educational programs, counseling, and referral; (3) education of teachers and administrators about factors contributing to school dropout; (4) use of human services programs to help students who have dropped out (5) the unit’s policies on suspension, expulsion, and other disciplinary action; and (6) discriminatory practices and attitudes within the unit.
     
  2. Committee Membership

The Dropout Prevention Committee shall be composed of the following members:

1. A member of the Board appointed by the Board Chair and Vice-Chair;

2. A school administrator selected by the Superintendent;

3. A teacher and a school counselor selected by the Teachers’ Organization;

4. A parent selected by the local parent group or by the Board if no such group exists;

5. A school attendance coordinator from the District selected by the Superintendent;

6. A high school student selected by the Dropout Prevention Committee members selected in paragraphs 1. to 5.; and 

7.  A student who has dropped out and is selected by the Dropout Prevention Committee members selected in paragraphs 1. to 5. if possible; and

8. A resident of the District selected by the Dropout Prevention Committee members selected in paragraphs 1. to 5.

A dropout prevention committee may increase its membership by a majority vote. A Chair shall be elected by vote of the Committee. 

  1. Provision of Alternative Instructional Arrangements. The Board recognizes the importance of success as a motivator and as a factor in a student’s commitment to education.  Those students who have been identified as at risk of dropping out will be (or: should be) encouraged to participate in the alternative educational programs that are offered in this school unit or in other instructional, vocational, or social service programs for which they may be eligible.
     
  2. Continued Contact with Students Who’ve Withdrawn from School. In the event that students do withdraw from school, school administrators shall arrange for regular contacts to be made with them for the purpose of (1) informing them of the process for readmission, (2) making them aware of alternatives in the community for continuing their education, and (3) stating the unit’s willingness to continue to assist them in their educational efforts.

Legal Reference: TITLE 20-A MRSA SEC. 5102, 5103

Cross References:  JEA: Compulsory Attendance & JHB: Truancy

Adopted: 06/28/1993

Reviewed: 12/08/1997

Reviewed: 02/01/2010

Amended: 10/21/2024

  • Section J