Application for a determination that the applicant has a substantial and warranted reason for leaving the regular high school education program shall be made to a designated employee of either the last Washington school district the applicant attended or the Washington school district in which the applicant currently resides. A designated employee of the school district shall evaluate the facts presented by the applicant and determine whether the applicant has a substantial and warranted reason for leaving the regular high school education program as defined at WAC 180-96-045. The determination of the designated employee shall be in writing and signed by the employee.