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JFAA ADMISSION OF RESIDENT STUDENTS

"Residence" means bona fide residence, one's actual residence maintained in good faith, the place where important family activity takes place -- the place where the family eats, sleeps, relaxes and plays. While it is possible for an individual to maintain property and pay taxes in more than one location, "residence" means the place where the parent or legal guardian maintains his/her and the student's home. "Residence" does not include a temporary or superficial residence in the school unit such as, for example, a "winter rental" or a lease during the school year for the purpose only of attending school in the school unit while the student's parent or guardian with legal custody maintains a home elsewhere.

Adequate proof of residency, when seeking admittance and thereafter, will be required in all cases, the burden of proof of residency in the school unit being with the student's parent or guardian with legal custody. The Superintendent is authorized to verify and determine residency in all cases, including having a parent/guardian provide documentation and/or sign a residency affidavit. Retroactive tuition will be assessed for any enrolled student who is determined to be ineligible for admittance or continued enrollment under this policy. The Superintendent's determination that a student is not eligible for admittance or enrollment under this policy shall be final, subject to appeal by the student's parent or guardian with legal custody in writing to the Board within ten (10) days of that determination.

Guardianship shall be substantiated by a copy of a court order or probated will appointing a person the guardian of the student, i.e., a person who has all parental rights with respect to a minor child. No student shall be entitled to admittance or enrollment on the basis of a guardian's residency in the school unit if the guardianship is a limited guardianship (such as a guardianship for education purposes) or a guardianship established by a power of attorney.

Resident students entering school for the first time shall be admitted upon presentation of an original birth certificate to the Principal, along with a record of required immunizations and pertinent health records. This requirement also pertains to students accepted into the CHOICES program at our school-based sites and community sites.

New resident students who are transferring into the school system shall be admitted on the basis of age, health, academic and discipline records received from the previous school. Original documentation may be required if deemed necessary to appropriately determine a student's eligibility for enrollment and assignment.

A foreign national exchange student accepted by RSU 1 for admission in valid J-1 visa status shall be considered a resident student once approved for acceptance and if the student is attending the school at public expense, as set forth in 20-A M.R.S.A. § 5205 (9).

Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 5202 et seq., 5205 (9), 6001-B; 6002 Maine Commissioner of Ed. Administrative Letter No. 13, 10/9/97

Cross Reference: JFABA -- Admission of Non-Resident Students

JFABB -- International Students

EHA -- Student Enrollment Information and Reports

Adopted: January 23, 2017

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