The School Board affirms that, while Indiana Law requires attendance of each student until eighteen (18) years of age, it is in the best interests of both the students and the community that they complete the educational program that will equip them with skills and increase their chances for a successful and fulfilling life beyond the schools.

The Board directs that whenever a student, sixteen (16) to eighteen (18) years of age, wishes to withdraw from school, an exit interview will be conducted. The following individuals shall attend the exit interview:

The exit interview will include a determination of whether or not the student is withdrawing for reason of financial hardship, requiring the student to be employed to support the student’s family or a dependent, illness, or an order by a court that has jurisdiction over the student.

During the exit interview, the principal shall provide the student and the student’s parent(s) a copy of statistics concerning the likely consequences of life without a high school diploma.

The student may not withdraw from school unless the student, the student's parent or guardian, and the principal agree to the withdrawal and the parent or guardian and the principal provide written consent for the student to withdraw from school. If the principal (this duty may not be delegated to a designee) does not consent to the student’s withdrawal, the student’s parent may appeal the denial to the Board.

At least five (5) days before holding an exit interview, the Corporation shall give notice by certified mail or personal delivery to the student, the student's parent(s), or the student's guardian that the student’s failure to attend an exit interview or return to school if the student does not meet the requirements to withdraw from school will result in the revocation or denial of the student’s driver’s license or learner’s permit and employment certificate.

The Superintendent shall develop a withdrawal form (Form 5130 F4) which is to be signed by the student, his/her parent, and the principal in accordance with this policy.

I.C. 9-24-2-1
I.C. 20-33-2-9
I.C. 20-33-2-28.5

Revised 10/23/12
Revised 5/17/16