Section 1329. Excuses from Attending School.--(a) The board of school directors of any school district may, 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.1) A school district may excuse a student from school attendance to participate in an educational tour or trip not sponsored by the school district consistent with State Board of Education regulations.
(a.2) (1) A school district may excuse a student from school attendance to participate in a musical performance in conjunction with a national veterans' organization or incorporated unit for an event or funeral. The national veterans' organization or incorporated unit must provide the student with a signed excuse, which shall include the date, location and time of the event or funeral. The student shall furnish the signed excuse to the school district prior to being excused from school.
(2) As used in this subsection, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this paragraph:
"Incorporated unit." An incorporated post, branch, camp, detachment, lodge or other subordinate unit of a national veterans' organization.
"National veterans' organization." A veterans' organization having a national charter.
((a.2) added June 22, 2018, P.L.241, No.39)
(b) Pursuant to the requirements of 22 Pa. Code § 11.41 (relating to school district policies and rules), the board of school directors shall formally adopt, as part of its written rules governing pupil absences and excusals, a policy permitting a student to be excused for participation in a project sponsored by an organization that is eligible to apply for a grant under section 5(3) of the act of July 8, 1986 (P.L.437, No.92), known as the "Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair Act."
(c) If a student is dismissed from school during school hours for health-related reasons by a certified school nurse, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or a school administrator or designee employed by the school district, the student's absence from school shall be deemed excused. ((c) added Nov. 3, 2016, P.L.1061, No.138)
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a student shall be excused during school hours for the purpose of obtaining professional health care or therapy service rendered by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts in any state, commonwealth or territory. ((d) added Nov. 3, 2016, P.L.1061, No.138)
(e) The Department of Education shall provide guidance, resources and strategies for families, schools and students related to students with chronic health conditions which shall be posted on the department's publicly accessible Internet website. ((e) added Nov. 3, 2016, P.L.1061, No.138)
(1329 amended Apr. 18, 2014, P.L.634, No.40)
Compiler's Note: Section 10 of Act 138 of 2016, which added subsections (c), (d) and (e), provided that Act 138 shall apply to the 2017-2018 school year and each school year thereafter.
See section 21 of Act 55 of 2017 in the appendix to this act for special provisions relating to applicability.