7:80 Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance

Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance

A student shall be released from school, as an excused absence, to observe a religious holiday or for religious instruction. The student’s parent/guardian must give written notice to the Building Principal at least five calendar days before the student’s anticipated absence(s). This notice shall satisfy the District’s requirement for a written excuse when the student returns to school.

The Superintendent shall develop and distribute to teachers appropriate procedures regarding student absences for religious reasons and include a list of religious holidays on which a student shall be excused from school attendance, how teachers are notified of a student’s impending absence, and the State law requirement that teachers provide the student with an equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirement.

                                 LEGAL REF.:        Religious Freedom Restoration Act, 775 ILCS 35/.

105 ILCS 5/26-1 and 5/26-2b.

CROSS REF.:         7:70 (Attendance and Truancy)

First Read: November 8, 2017

Adopted: December 13, 2017