Committee tables compulsory attendance policy after statutory wording and online-learning questions

The committee examined proposed updates to the compulsory student attendance policy (JEA), focusing on clarity and consistency with state statute. Staff observed the draft attempts to pull together several statutory provisions; members raised structural and grammatical issues, notably the phrasing around a child who is "5 years of age or older and under 6," and whether the policy should read "parent/guardian" rather than only "parent." Speaker 8 recommended structural changes to make exceptions and conditions clear; Speaker 6 cautioned that enrollment and attendance language also affects funding (ED 279 counts) and urged care in how enrollment language is presented.

Members also asked whether virtual or approved online learning programs should be included as exceptions and whether matriculated postsecondary students should be excused with commissioner approval. Because of the legal complexity and formatting concerns, Speaker 9 moved to table the JEA item for further formatting and statutory alignment work; the motion carried unanimously (7-0). Staff committed to consult the MSMA sample, the state statute (Chapter 125 references were discussed) and to produce a clearer redraft for future review.