out-of-school suspension and an absence related to a medical
condition that is explained by a valid medical excuse from a
licensed practitioner of the healing arts in any state,
commonwealth or territory may not be considered an unexcused
absence.
Section 2. Section 1329(a) of the act is amended and the
section is amended by adding subsections to read:
Section 1329. Excuses from Attending School.--(a) The board
of school directors of any school district [may] shall, upon
certification by any licensed practitioner of the healing arts
or upon any other satisfactory evidence being furnished to it,
showing that any child or children are prevented from attending
school, or from application to study, on account of any mental,
physical, or other urgent reasons, excuse such child or children
from attending school as required by the provisions of this
act[, but the term "urgent reasons" shall be strictly construed
and shall not permit of irregular attendance. In every such
case, such action by the board of school directors shall not be
final until the approval of the Department of Education has been
obtained. Every principal or teacher in any public, private, or
other school may, for reasons enumerated above, excuse any child
for non-attendance during temporary periods].
* * *
(a.3) The board of school directors of any school district
may excuse a child or children from attending school as required
by the provisions of this act for urgent reasons, but the term
"urgent reasons" shall be strictly construed and shall not
permit irregular attendance. In every such case, such action by
the board of school directors shall not be final until the
approval of the Department of Education has been obtained.
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