2009 Rhode Island Code
Title 16 - Education
CHAPTER 16-67.1 - Rhode Island High School Dropout Prevention Act of 2007
§ 16-67.1-3 - Defining the age and protocol for a student to leave school.

SECTION 16-67.1-3

   § 16-67.1-3  Defining the age and protocol for a student to leave school. – (a) Children who have completed sixteen (16) years of life and who have not yet attained eighteen (18) years of age may not withdraw from school before graduation unless:

   (1) The student, the student's parent(s)/guardian and an administrator agree to the withdrawal;

   (2) At the exit interview, the student and the student's parent(s)/guardian provide written acknowledgement of the withdrawal that meets the requirements of paragraph (4)(D) of this subsection;

   (3) The school principal provides written consent for the student to withdraw from school; and/or

   (4) The withdrawal is:

   (A) Due to documented financial hardship and the need of the individual to be employed to support the individual's family or a dependent;

   (B) Due to documented illness;

   (C) By order of a court that has jurisdiction over the student; and

   (D) Accompanied by a written acknowledgement of a withdrawal under subdivision (2) of this subsection which must include a statement that the student and the student's parent(s)/guardian understand that withdrawal from school is likely to reduce the student's future earnings and increase the student's likelihood of being unemployed in the future;

   (b) If a child of the age described in subsection (a) is habitually absent from school and the school is unable to contact the parent(s)/guardian. the school may withdraw the child from enrollment provided that its attempts to contact the parent(s)/guardian by telephone, regular and registered mail, and home visit are documented. If a child who has been withdrawn from enrollment under this subsection returns to school, or if the school mistakenly withdraws the child from enrollment, the child shall promptly be re-enrolled.