Truancy Law

Washington State law requires school age children below 18 years of age to attend school. When a student has unexcused absences, the school will work with the student and parents/guardians to make sure the student comes to school.

The school may take a variety of actions to improve a student’s attendance: hold a student and parent/guardian conference, take corrective action, change the student’s schedule, recommend an alternative placement, or initiate other actions as appropriate.

If a student accumulates seven unexcused absences in a month the district will enter into an agreement with the student and parents that establishes school attendance requirements, refer the student to a community truancy board or file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010. If such action is not successful, the district will file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010 by the parent, student or parent and student no later than 15th unexcused absence during the current school year. A truancy petition is a request to have the court order the student to attend school. If the student disobeys a court order to attend school, this could lead to penalties against the student and/or parents/guardian.

Each school publishes District attendance policies and procedures. Parents and students should read and discuss them together. If you do not understand them, talk to the school’s assistant principal or principal. We know you want your students to be successful. Attending school daily is one way to help contribute to that success.

More information about excused and unexcused absences can be found in District Policy 3122 and Procedure 3122P: Excused and Unexcused Absences. A copy of this policy and the associated procedure can be found on the district website at: Policy Procedures 3000: Students.

Thank you for reviewing this material and communicating it to your students. We appreciate your involvement in these issues.