Dr. Redmond, a district leader, recommended the board adopt an updated Policy 40‑40 on student attendance and the board voted to approve the change at its second reading. The updated policy adds specific exceptions and a parental-notification requirement for repeated unexcused absences.

The change matters because it clarifies excused‑absence categories and establishes a written-notice process intended to increase parent–school communication about attendance problems before further interventions.

Dr. Redmond summarized the revisions and told trustees the highlighted changes were included in the packet. The policy defines “attendance” as being physically present during school hours or at another location where the school’s education program is delivered. Under the revised “exceptions to mandatory attendance,” the policy now lists “participating in scheduled competition, exhibition, or event offered by the National FFA Organization or 4‑H club” as an excused absence category; Redmond said the district had previously excused those absences in practice but added the language to align with new rules.

The policy also adds a parental-notification requirement: if a student accumulates five unexcused absences within a 10‑week period, school staff must send written notice to the parents identifying the absences and the parents’ responsibility to partner with the school. Dr. Redmond described the notice as a tool for support and partnership rather than punishment.

Mrs. Wilhelmus asked whether the changes would alter how illness or medical absences are recorded; board members and staff clarified that calling in a student as sick remains an excused absence under existing rules and that the update does not change that practice. Board members moved and seconded the policy for adoption; the board voted by voice to approve the revised Policy 40‑40.

Less-critical details: Redmond said the policy addition was a second and final reading and that the changes were highlighted in yellow in the meeting packet. He recommended approval and the board adopted the policy on the motion presented.