Students should be in school for the full day. Release during school hours will be permitted only in 
exceptional cases which meet the standards outlined in this policy. Under no circumstances may a student  leave school without the approval of the principal. Neither may the student leave in the company of any  person other than a parent, legal guardian, school employee, or a person designated by the parent or legal  guardian, except by written request of the parent or legal guardian.

1.  Hardship. Early dismissal may be granted only in highly selective cases of extreme family 
   hardship, confirmed by the school social worker, recommended by the principal, and approved by 
   the Superintendent. The student must satisfy all conditions listed in item (1) above and in addition 
   must meet the following three conditions of hardship:
   1. Family income which would qualify the student for free or reduced-priced lunch (whether or 
      not application is made);
   2. Satisfactory evidence that the student's income is necessary to prevent family destitution, that  is, suffering from severe lack of food, clothing and shelter; 
   3. Satisfactory evidence that the student is unable to obtain adequate employment outside regular school hours.
2. Work-Based Learning Programs. Students approved for early release for co-operative 
   employment programs as part of regular school courses shall leave school daily according to 
   procedures established for those programs under work-based learning guidelines. 
3. Private lessons should be scheduled outside of school hours. When such is impossible, and when 
   the time of the lesson would not conflict with the student's regular school schedule, the principal 
   may, upon written request from the parent, permit the student's release of a period not to exceed 
   thirty minutes for instruction and fifteen minutes for travel.

Legal References:

1. TRR/MS § 0520-1-3-.06(2)(d). 
2. TRR/MS § 0520-1-3-.03(9).

Cross Reference

• Knox County Board of Education Policy I-122 Course Credit Earned Outside the Base High School.

Approved as to Legal Form 
By Knox County Law Director 10/31/2023 
/Gary T. Dupler/Deputy Law Director