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Tri‑Creek proposes attendance policy tightening in student‑parent handbook; vacations to count as unexcused
Summary
Superintendent Anderson proposed handbook changes that would mark vacations and similar absences as unexcused, require outreach at five unexcused absences in a 10‑week period and trigger reporting milestones up to referral at ten unexcused days; the board approved the updated handbook.
Superintendent Anderson (Speaker 3) presented recommended updates to the student‑parent handbook, highlighting three major areas: elementary report‑card changes, elimination of low‑value high‑school parking permits, and a substantive overhaul of attendance protocols.
On attendance, Anderson said district data showed roughly 932 students missed 10 or more days last year and nearly 200 students missed five or more weeks. To address chronic absenteeism, the recommendation would categorize vacations, hair appointments and similar non‑school reasons as unexcused and require staff outreach when a student accrues five unexcused days within a 10‑week period. The district would send letters at milestones (5, 7 and 9 absences) and would report to the Department of Child Services and the prosecuting attorney’s office when attendance reaches the state‑mandated milestone of ten unexcused days. Anderson emphasized the approach is intended to be student‑centered, focusing on interventions and supports rather than punishment.
Board members asked clarifying questions about partial‑day vs. full‑day reporting, the role of nurses and doctor’s notes, and the threshold for referrals. Anderson said the district had consulted Indiana School Board Association model language and would align recording rules (half‑day vs. full‑day) with state guidance.
Later in the meeting the board approved the student‑parent handbook by voice vote as part of the action items.
