Policy

5113 — Absences And Excuses (BP)

The official document

What the district published

This is the source material — exactly as released by RUSD. The plain English translation below is this site's version, written for community members who shouldn't need a budget degree to understand where their school dollars go.

📄Original Policy5113 — Absences And Excuses (BP)
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The translation

In plain English

What this document actually says

This policy, last revised January 13, 2026, establishes that regular school attendance is essential for student achievement. Absences are excused only for specific reasons listed in state law: illness, family emergencies, justifiable personal reasons, religious instruction, entertainment industry work, or confidential medical appointments. When absences are excused, students must be given equivalent assignments to complete for full credit within a reasonable timeframe. Parents should schedule appointments during non-school hours when possible. Students cannot be absent without parent knowledge except for medical emergencies or confidential medical visits. The Board may use legal means to address chronic absence or truancy problems. The district verifies absences due to illness through Board-approved methods.

What this means for your family

Families must ensure their children attend school regularly or provide valid excuses under state law. When your child has an excused absence, teachers will provide makeup work for full credit. You should schedule medical appointments outside school hours when possible. The district can take legal action if your child becomes chronically absent or truant, which could affect their academic progress and your legal standing.

Summaries are AI-assisted and based on the original district document shown above. Nothing has been editorialized — interpretations are clearly labeled. This site is maintained by Lina Godfrey's campaign as a community resource.