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Two months ago, when supporters of a Christian education program asked that children be allowed to leave school early to attend a “Rolling Chapel” to be parked just off school grounds, the School Board tabled the proposal, directing Superintendent David Gangel to draft a policy on early release to cover this and similar requests.
Dr. Gangel presented that policy at last week’s meeting. A revision of existing regulations governing absences and truancy, it reads simply: “Prearranged absences are authorized by the Principal to release students from school upon written request of parents or guardians. Some reasons for excusing students may be to visit the dentist or physician, accompany parents on vacation, attend religious activities, or for any reasonable purpose as determined by the parent and principal. When a request for release time is made in writing by the parent or guardian, it should normally be approved so long as the period of release does not interrupt the educational process of the school or the pupil.”
When the “Rolling Chapel” request was lodged, board members Bryant Lee and Paul Nichols questioned whether release of students during the school day to receive religious instruction violated the Constitutional requirement for separation of church and state.
Last week, Dr. Gangel assured the board that the proposed policy revision on prearranged absences “meets the test” and “is appropriate as far as legal constraints are concerned.”
“Is it assumed that the parent or guardian will provide transportation?” Mr. Nichols asked.
It will be the responsibility of the
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