AN ACT

 

1Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
2act relating to the public school system, including certain
3provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
4schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
5laws relating thereto," in pupils and attendance, further
6providing for excuses from attending school; and making an
7editorial change.

8The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
9hereby enacts as follows:

10Section 1.  Section 1329 of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.

1130, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, amended
12June 22, 2001 (P.L.530, No.35), is amended to read:

13Section 1329.  Excuses from Attending School.--(a)  The board
14of school directors of any school district may, upon
15certification by any licensed practitioner of the healing arts
16or upon any other satisfactory evidence being furnished to it,
17showing that any child or children are prevented from attending
18school, or from application to study, on account of any mental,
19physical, educational or other urgent reasons, excuse such child
20or children from attending school as required by the provisions

1of this act, but the term "urgent reasons" shall be strictly
2construed and shall not permit of irregular attendance. In every
3such case, such action by the board of school directors shall
4not be final until the approval of the [Department of Public
5Instruction] Department of Education has been obtained. Every
6principal or teacher in any public, private, or other school
7may, for reasons enumerated above, excuse any child for non-
8attendance during temporary periods.

9(b)  Pursuant to the requirements of 22 Pa. Code § 11.41
10(relating to school district policies and rules), the board of
11school directors shall formally adopt, as part of its written
12rules governing pupil absences and excusals, a policy permitting
13a student to be excused for participation in a project sponsored
14by an organization that is eligible to apply for a grant under
15section 5(3) of the act of July 8, 1986 (P.L.437, No.92), known
16as the "Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair Act."

17Section 2.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.