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Board approves stricter attendance policy, ties chronic absenteeism to possible retention
Summary
Columbus County Board approved an updated attendance policy that triggers interventions and potential attendance-based failure when students miss more than 10% of days enrolled; principals can override via appeal.
The Columbus County Board of Education approved an amended attendance policy for the 2025–26 school year that emphasizes reducing chronic absenteeism and links attendance to academic mastery.
Under the new policy, students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be referred to the district MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) process if they show attendance issues; grade retention may be considered if a student misses more than 10% of days enrolled because of a lack of mastery tied to chronic absenteeism. For grades nine through 12, missing more than 10% of days in a semester — whether excused, unexcused or suspended — may lead to subject-area failure based on attendance. The policy provides appeal rights: principals may hear appeals and decisions can be escalated to the superintendent.
Board members asked whether students who meet the attendance threshold but maintain passing grades would be prevented from participating in academic field trips. District staff said educational field trips tied to academic standards would still be allowed; non-academic rewards (for example, PBIS reward trips) would not qualify.
Board members also discussed communication plans. The district said the policy and changes will be highlighted at orientation or open house, included in handbooks and pushed through social media and the district’s call-out systems. Staff said principals will be expected to review the new policies with parents at school open houses and that central staff would support outreach, including phone calls or social workers for high-need cases.
The policy passed on a motion by Dr. Strickland, seconded by Mr. Enser.
