Board debates draft attendance rules tying absences to course outcomes

Board members spent substantial time reviewing a proposed attendance regulation aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism by linking allowable absences to course outcomes and creating a waiver process for exceptional circumstances.

Administrators explained draft thresholds included in the packet: 18 total absences for a class that meets every day during the school year, 12 total absences for a semester class that meets every other day, and 24 total absences listed for elementary grade groupings. The proposal would allow parents up to 10 discretionary notes to excuse absences; excessive absences beyond the threshold would require formal documentation, an administrative review and a waiver process. Administrators said the goal is to encourage regular attendance while preserving a means to excuse medical or emergency absences.

Board members raised practical concerns: whether travel‑sports, club competitions or family vacations should be excused, how parents would provide documentation, the extra tracking workload for school office staff, and whether attendance‑based grade consequences could disproportionately affect students who work or have caregiving needs. Members asked for clearer language on the timing and mechanics of the appeal/waiver process (for example, whether waivers can be filed after course completion) and recommended adding provisions to allow verified travel‑competition absences while ensuring make‑up work requirements.

Administrators said they would incorporate board feedback and return draft options that explicitly list acceptable documentation, clarify waiver timelines, and propose alternative numeric thresholds as options for consideration at a future meeting.