Thompson School District proposes major rewrite of student attendance policy, emphasizing support over punishment

Thompson School District R-2J presented a comprehensive first reading of a revised student attendance policy Feb. 1, proposing a shift from a compliance-driven approach to a supportive, restorative model that leaders say aligns district rules with state law and best practice.

Sarah Rasmussen, assistant superintendent of learning services, and Dr. Jennifer (director of student success) described the overhaul — the district—irst substantial rewrite since 2013 — as designed to clarify absence types, strengthen support plans and reduce reliance on punitive measures such as automatic unexcused classifications. "We re looking to say we should be able to put together policy that shows that our policies, procedures, and practices are all connected and integrated," Rasmussen said during the presentation.

Why it matters: District officials cited data showing progress but also persistent gaps. Presenters said chronic absenteeism fell from 29.5% in 2022 to 25% last school year, which they said represented roughly 3,500 students who missed 18 or more days. Daily attendance averaged about 92%, meaning more than 1,100 students were absent on a typical day, and the district—stimated about 350 students met the state threshold for habitual truancy.

Major changes proposed

- Excused/medical-absence categories: The draft distinguishes temporary illness or injury, recurring treatment absences, an "abbreviated school day" category tied to recent state statute, and extended-period absences related to disability and protections under IDEA and Section 504.

- Support-first approach: Policy language favors early interventions and restorative strategies; the draft calls for attendance support plans and multi-tiered interventions rather than immediate punitive steps.

- Documentation and SOPs: The policy would clarify what documentation schools may request, but operational details (for example, coding in Infinite Campus and front-office procedures) are to be specified in standard operating procedures.

- Makeup work: The draft asserts a clear expectation that makeup work and instruction will be provided in a way that helps students catch up, rather than relying solely on packet-based homework.

Implementation timeline and supports

District staff said some technical changes—or example to the 48-hour parental-excuse rule and Infinite Campus coding—ould proceed quickly if the board approves the policy at its upcoming business meeting. They also described a new district chronic-absenteeism reduction team and a partnership with Colorado State University's Prevention Research Center to provide professional learning for school staff.

Board reaction and outstanding questions

Board members broadly praised the intent but pressed for details on: how schools would operationalize makeup-work expectations; how documentation and confidentiality would be handled for recurring medical appointments; whether parent and advisory groups (SEAC, DAC) had been consulted on the exact draft; and how template letters to families will be written so they do not read as punitive. Rasmussen said the draft has been informed by years of listening sessions and legal review and that the team would return with SOPs and revised language addressing those concerns.

Next steps

The policy was presented as a first reading; presenters said they were prepared to incorporate board feedback and legal edits. If the board moves forward, staff plan to finalize technical changes in March and provide professional development and family communication in the spring and summer ahead of wider implementation.