|
|||||||||
GRADUATION PROCEDURES AND CEREMONIES
The Board endorses an annual High School graduation ceremony and directs the Superintendent to ascertain that no pupil be barred from participation for arbitrary or discriminatory reasons. The Board of Education reserves the right to deny participation when extreme circumstances warrant it, and when a pupil has not completed the requirement for graduating with his/her class. The Superintendent may permit exchange students to participate in the graduation ceremony. A denial on the grounds of inappropriate conduct shall be treated in the same manner as a suspension and the pupil so affected shall be afforded the rights of review provided in policies of this Board. The date of graduation shall be recommended by the Superintendent and determined by the Board of Education annually to ensure that seniors attend the requisite number of days. When a pupil or his/her parents/guardians experiences financial hardship and is unable to pay the costs of participation in graduation ceremonies, the Board shall assume the costs for the rental or purchase of cap and gown. Awarding of Diplomas The Superintendent or his/her designee shall establish guidelines regarding the participation in the Morristown High School graduation ceremonies, including presentation of diplomas. With regard to presentation of diplomas, all District employees must be treated equally. Date: April 14, 1986 May 12, 1997 Revised May 27, 1997 Approved September 24, 2001 First Reading October 8, 2001 Approved Legal References: N.J.S.A. 18A:7c-5.1 Boards of education prohibited from excluding students from graduation ceremony or from obtaining yearbook for inability to pay fees N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1 General mandatory powers and duties N.J.S.A. 18A:36-18 Books containing organic laws at graduation N.J.S.A. 18A:54-20 Powers of board (county vocational schools) Ballato v. Long Branch Board of Education, 1990 S.L.D. (August 20) Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992) American Civil Liberties Union v. Blackhorse Pike Regional Board of Education, 84 F.3d 1471 (3d Cir. 1996) Cross References: 5113 Absences and excuses 5114 Suspension and expulsion 5126 Awards for achievement 5131 Conduct/discipline 6111 School calendar 6141.2 Recognition of religious beliefs and customs 6146 Graduation requirements Key Words Commencement Activities, Graduation Ceremonies |
|||||||||
