Legal Question in Education Law in Pennsylvania

Fined for lack of absence letters

When we started our children in this school we would call the school to call them out if sick. Nurse told us not to bother to just send absence letter with child to school.Daughter is in 3rd grade This past year our daughter had medical problems often. At the end of February we received a cerified letter stating there was no absent letter sent with our daughter. We took care of that immediatly. Then just this week we received a certified letter stating we are being fined and taken to court for failing to give absent notices with Carolyn for dates before and after that last letter in February. First of all, we were never notified at all of this before and after february's letter, and why wouldn't they have mentioned any dated prior to february in that letter. Also, I know for a fact that my wife has written those excuse letters everytime, concidering I would see her write them before I leave for work. If we were properly notified of something wrong in the first place we could have fixed the problem immediatly. Weather they did receive them or my child not giving the letter to teacher. If we were notified, there would have not been a situation in the first place. Can they get away with this? Shouldn't they have receipts from letters


Asked on 4/06/06, 9:43 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
CHARLES WEINER Law Office of Charles Weiner

Re: Fined for lack of absence letters

From you zip code, I presume you reside in the Pocono Mountain School District. Because my practice is focused on education law and I represent people throughout the state, I have experience with your District. Many school districts, particularly your's (because of the large influx of families from New York) have become aggressive in reporting unexcused absenses to Magistrates. Your District requires a parental note submitted within five days of any absense. If the absense is more than 20 days, then a physician's note is required. Truancy is a serious violation which can involve fines, arrest (of a student), removal from school grounds, and even referral to Children and Youth Services. You should consult with an attorney. Feel free to contact me for further information.

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Answered on 4/06/06, 10:19 am


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