16 NCAC 06E .0103          ENFORCEMENT

(a)  Each public school unit ("PSU") shall enforce within its jurisdiction the state laws and rules that relate to compulsory attendance. The PSU governing body may adopt policies that allow a teacher to consider a student's absences in the computation of the student's grades. Each PSU shall communicate all attendance obligations and procedures to students, parents, and legal guardians before the first day of each school year.

(b)  Duties of Teachers. It shall be the duty of each teacher to:

(1)           Inform students and parents of the importance of regular school attendance through classroom activities, programs and announcements at parent-teacher association meetings and parent-teacher conferences, and other engagements with the school community;

(2)           Record absences and reasons for those absences in accordance with the policies and procedures of the PSU; and

(3)           Maintain accurate student attendance records.

(c)  Duties of School Social Workers. It shall be the duty of each school social worker to:

(1)           Investigate potential violations of the Compulsory Attendance Law reported by a teacher or the principal;

(2)           Work with the student and the student's parent or legal guardian to determine the reasons for the absences and determine appropriate responsive measures, including adjustments to the school program or the provision of supplemental services; and

(3)           Report violations of the Compulsory Attendance Law to local law enforcement and provide all documentation necessary for prosecution under G.S. 115C-380.

(d)  Duties of Principals. It shall be the duty of each principal to:

(1)           Execute the duties assigned to principals under G.S. 115C-378;

(2)           Inform students and parents of the importance of regular school attendance;

(3)           Inform teachers, social workers, and other staff under the principal's supervision of their obligations with respect to the Compulsory Attendance Law; and

(4)           Provide teachers with the necessary resources to document student attendance.

(e)  Duties of Local Superintendents. It shall be the duty of each local superintendent to:

(1)           Enforce within the PSU those state laws, State Board of Education rules, and local policies of the PSU that relate to compulsory attendance;

(2)           Inform students, parents, and the general public of the importance of regular school attendance through PSU staff meetings, parent-teacher association meetings, press releases, and other public media;

(3)           Inform principals, teachers, social workers, and other staff under the superintendent's supervision of their obligations with respect to the Compulsory Attendance Law; and

(4)           Coordinate meetings between teachers, social workers, and principals as needed for discussions concerning school attendance and enforcement of the Compulsory Attendance Law.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 115C-378; 115C‑379; G.S. 115C-380; 115C-381;

Eff. July 1, 1986;

Readoption Eff. August 1, 2026.