Staff detailed how the updated CSBA policy handles exemptions for students the draft categorizes as 'highly mobile.' The draft lists several categories of students eligible for exemption from district-added graduation requirements and outlines procedural protections.
"The highly mobile students are are foster youth, students experiencing homelessness, former juvenile court students, children of a military family, students who are migratory or a student participating in a newcomer program," Paula Chimerlake read. She said the policy specifies that these students "shall be exempt from any graduation requirements adopted from the board" while still meeting state requirements.
Chimerlake also described procedural safeguards: educational rights holders may request exemptions and the superintendent or designee must grant them within 30 calendar days of the request or provide a consultation about accommodations and alternatives such as credit recovery and California Community College transfer options.
Committee members suggested small wording edits to ensure consultation language reflects that an educational rights holder may not be a parent after a student turns 18. Staff said they would consult counselors and bring the refined policy back for review before the board first reading.