Policy 5.072

Students of Legal Age

1. Purpose. Some students may reach the age of eighteen (18) or may become emancipated prior to graduation from the School District. The School Board recognizes the need to balance the rights of these students with the Board's duty to provide an education to all students in a safe and orderly environment.

2. Definition. For the purposes of this policy, a student will be considered emancipated if:

   1. The student has been declared emancipated by an appropriate judicial authority pursuant to Chapter 743, Florida Statutes or similar out-of-state statute, and provides a certified copy of such order to the Principal.

   2. The student is at least eighteen (18) years of age and has established a domicile independent of his/her parents or guardians; or

   3. The student is under the age eighteen (18) old and is married, as provided in Chapter 743, Florida Statutes.

   4. Emancipated minors are not required to live in a residence with an adult authority as a condition of admission to school.

   An eighteen (18) year student who lives with his/her parents is considered a legal dependent of his/her parents and is no considered emancipated for the purposes of this policy.

3. Policy. Emancipated students will have those responsibilities, opportunities, and rights granted to parents or guardians under Board policies for the purposes of consent, decision-making, access to records and domicile, unless otherwise indicated.

4. Compliance with Policies, etc. Emancipated students shall comply with the policies and rules established by the School Board, pursue a prescribed course of study, and submit to the authority of teachers and others in a supervisory role.

5. Attendance. Emancipated students must meet attendance requirements as provided in School Board Policy 5.0901 (Regular School Attendance).

6. Permission to Inspect Student Records. An eighteen-year old or emancipated student will be allowed access to his/her records in accordance with state and federal laws and School Board Policy 5.50 (Student Records).

7. Financial Responsibility. An eighteen (18) year old or emancipated student may be held financially responsible for damage to school property.

8. Suspension/Expulsion.

   1. Suspension or expulsion of eighteen (18) year old students who are legal dependents shall be in accordance with board policies for suspension of other students. Parents or guardians of such students will be notified of suspensions or expulsions and requested to attend conferences or hearing.

   2. Emancipated students shall be suspended in accordance with board policies for suspensions or expulsions. However, such students will receive notifications and will be requested to attend conferences or hearings in lieu of a parent or guardian.