Board approves attendance policy change allowing truancy board before court citation

The Obion County Board of Education on Sept. 2 approved an amendment to Board Policy 6.200 that allows a truancy board to convene to address circumstances causing excessive unexcused absences before the district issues a citation to court.

Director Tim Watkins said the change reflects language added by Dr. Barclay: "Prior to a citation to court for truancy, a truancy board may convene to address issues creating excessive unexcused absences." The board voted to approve the amendment on Watkins' recommendation; the motion was made by Keisha Hooper and seconded by Tim Britt. MOTION APPROVED.

The minutes do not record further detail about the composition of the truancy board, required notices, or timelines for referral to court. The amendment was presented as an additional step in the district's attendance enforcement process rather than a replacement of existing legal remedies.

Director Watkins reported student enrollment and attendance metrics elsewhere in his update; the minutes record average daily membership (ADM) as 2,753 as of Aug. 29, excluding approximately 100 Pre-K students.