011-13
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
AND
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
STUDENT S. DOE
VS.
BRISTOL/WARREN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
DECISION
Held: Student S. Doe who dropped out of high school now seeks to re-enroll. We find however that the student involved in this case has now left the state to help care for his mother who lives in Connecticut and this case is therefore moot.
DATE: May 8, 2013
Jurisdiction and Travel of the Case
Jurisdiction is present to hear this matter under R.I.G.L.16-39-1 and R.I.G.L.16-39-2. This is a case where a student who dropped out of high school now seeks to re-enroll. The student has reached the age of majority but has allowed his step-grandfather to file a petition on his behalf. We find however that the student in this case has now left the State of Rhode Island to help care for his mother who lives in Connecticut and, accordingly, this case presents the issue of mootness.
Discussion
It is evident from the record before us that there is little chance that the student in this case will be returning to Rhode Island within the foreseeable future. Accordingly, this matter has been rendered moot. We agree with the petitioning step-grandfather that a better explanation of why this student was denied readmission to high school could have been given. Still we deem that the letter sent by the superintendent to the student on November 26, 2012 adequately and correctly explains why the student was denied the opportunity to re-enroll in high school. (Exhibit 2) This letter also provided the student with information about how he could enroll in a GED preparation program. We further find that superintendent’s letter conforms with applicable law, specifically Chapter 16-67.1 of the General Laws, as well as with the guidance entitled “High School Enrollment Eligibility” provided to school districts by the Commissioner’s Office on December 8, 2000.
Conclusion
We commend the step-grandparent in this case for the interest he has shown in Student S Doe’s academic progress. Still, we must hereby dismiss this matter as moot.
Forrest L. Avila, Hearing Officer
Deborah A. Gist, Commissioner
May 8, 2013
DATE