"The Guidance that Shapes Us"

Consistent with the system's mission and vision, the Orange Beach Board of Education recently approved four new policies that will shape the future of our students. The complete policies can be viewed using the links below, and each will be discussed during our parent-student meetings for grades seven through eleven.

There is nothing new regarding the excused absence policy, other than we have now included state guidelines in our board policies. Note that state and federal guidelines are always in effect and that every state and federal rule and regulation is not necessarily written in board policy, although many are included to heighten awareness for our stakeholders.

An early graduation policy was adopted, establishing the parameters by which a student could exit high school at the end of their first semester of senior year. Students may return and participate in senior activities if they choose to (i.e., prom, baccalaureate, and graduation activities).

Rising eighth graders may now exceed seven credits per year via the system's new acceleration policy Students may earn a maximum of two additional credits per school year. A school year has been defined as August 1 through July 31. Courses are limited to those taken from an accredited organization.

The out-of-district student policy was amended to include a tuition increase, an annual charge for an administrative fee, and defined special services and testing accommodations. Tuition was increased to $1,500 per student; an annual administrative fee of $100 was denoted. There is a special education section. Parents of out-of-district students are particularly encouraged to read.

The Board will consider a revision of the Code of Conduct. Video recording and vaping, leaving campus without authorization, and other infractions are being discussed. Lastly, the Board will be asked to consider a foreign student exchange policy. Cultural exposure may benefit both the exchange student and our community.