Maryville Board limits parent-excused absences to seven under revised attendance policy

The Maryville Board of Education on June 15 approved expedited changes to Board Policy 6.200 that restrict parent-note excused absences to seven per school year. Director of Schools Dr. Winstead said the change aligns Maryville City Schools with the practices of most Tennessee school districts and is intended to encourage regular attendance while still providing families flexibility for occasional absences.

"Students will be limited to seven excused absences supported by parent notes each school year," Dr. Winstead said, as the board considered the expedited timeline so the policy can take effect at the start of the school year. He said students will still have opportunities to address attendance concerns before reaching the truancy threshold.

Bart Stinnett moved to approve expedited action on Policy 6.200 and Candy Morgan seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Vice-Chair Nick Black emphasized the importance of communicating the change frequently through multiple channels so parents are well informed.