NEPN/NSBA Code:JFAA 

ADMISSION OF RESIDENT STUDENTS 

The school unit shall admit as students those of legal school age whose parents or guardians legally reside within the unit. Adequate proof of residence shall be required. The School Committee reserves the right to verify residency through appropriate means for any enrolled student or any family applying for enrollment. 

“Residence” means bona fide residence—one’s actual residence maintained in good faith—and does not include a temporary or superficial residence established for the purpose of free school attendance in this system. It shall be considered the place where important family activity takes place—the place where the family eats, sleeps, relaxes, and plays. It is a place that can be called a “home.” While it is possible for an individual to maintain property and pay taxes in more than one location or community, for purposes of student eligibility for school attendance, “residence” shall mean where the parent maintains a home. 

Guardianship shall be substantiated by a copy of a court order or probated will appointing the resident as guardian of the student. No student shall be accepted for enrollment or allowed to continue in enrollment on the basis of 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 building administrator, along with a record of required immunizations and pertinent health records. Photocopies shall be made and retained in the student’s file. Kindergarten students shall be screened prior to entering school or as soon as possible thereafter. Parents are encouraged to have a preschool physical conducted on their child prior to entering school. 

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

Legal Reference: 18-A MRSA § 5-201 et seq. 

20-A MRSA §§ 5202 et seq., 6002 

Maine Commissioner of Ed. Administrative Letter No. 13, 10/9/97 

Cross Reference: JFAB – Admission of Non-Resident Students 

JGAA – Assignment of Students to Kindergarten/Grade 1 

Adopted: June 7, 2000 

Reviewed: September 24, 2012

Reviewed: July 24, 2023