RELEASE TIME FOR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

Absence of a student during school hours for religious education outside the school grounds will be allowed provided that the student's parent/guardian submits a written request to the school principal and that the instruction meets the following requirements:

A. The religious instruction must be under the sponsorship of a recognized, duly constituted religious body or group.

Students must be registered for the course and a copy of the registration filed with the principal of the student's school, who may from time to time request student's attendance reports form the course's sponsors.

B. Absence for religious instruction may not exceed one hour per week at a time set by school system authorities.

As much as possible, all student in the same school who are permitted to attend religious instruction will be released during the same hour.

Legal Reference: TITLE 20-A MRSA SEC. 1224-A

Adopted: February 28, 1994