(a) Children who have not yet attained eighteen (18) years of age may not withdraw from school before graduation unless they have previously developed an alternative learning plan in accordance with § 16-19-1(b) and, after implementation of the plan:
(1) The student, the student’s parent(s)/guardian, and an administrator agree to the withdrawal;
(2) At the exit interview, the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian provide written acknowledgement of the withdrawal that meets the requirements of subsection (a)(4)(iv) of this section;
(3) The school principal provides written consent for the student to withdraw from school; and/or
(4) The withdrawal is:
(i) Due to documented financial hardship and the need of the individual to be employed to support the individual’s family or a dependent;
(ii) Due to documented illness;
(iii) By order of a court that has jurisdiction over the student; or
(iv) Accompanied by a written acknowledgement of a withdrawal under subsection (a)(2) of this section which must include a statement that the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian understand that withdrawal from school is likely to reduce the student’s future earnings and increase the student’s likelihood of being unemployed in the future.
(b) If a child of the age described in subsection (a) is habitually absent from school and the school is unable to contact the parent(s)/guardian, the school may withdraw the child from enrollment provided that its attempts to contact the parent(s)/guardian by telephone, regular and registered mail, and home visit are documented. If a child who has been withdrawn from enrollment under this subsection returns to school, or if the school mistakenly withdraws the child from enrollment, the child shall immediately be re-enrolled.
(c) An extended withdrawal pursuant to § 16-19-1 may be authorized that is not intended to be a permanent withdrawal but which is extended because of unique difficulties and interruptions that many students are experiencing because of the COVID-19 pandemic.