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Board approves tighter attendance limits in 6–12 handbook after lengthy debate
Summary
Wall School District board approved revisions to the 6–12 student handbook that reduce allowed absences to address chronic absenteeism, following extensive discussion about doctor notes, makeup work and consistency across grade spans.
The Wall School District Board approved a change to the 6–12 student handbook that reduces allowable absences and tightens attendance tracking.
Superintendent (speaker 4) told the board she had proposed reducing the handbook allowance from 12 absences per semester to six, saying the district is being penalized in public reporting for chronic absenteeism and that a lower allowance would improve student attendance: "I just cannot put in there with a good heart 24 absences is okay," she said. She noted state targets for attendance are near 94% and that the proposed limit would move the district toward that goal.
Board members pressed for middle-ground options. One member proposed 8 days instead of 6, raising concerns that an immediate move to six days would unduly punish families with legitimate needs. Another board member argued the change was defensible and favored a firm standard to build discipline: "I want 94% of the students at school 94% of the time," the Chair (speaker 1) said in support of higher overall attendance expectations. The superintendent explained how doctor notes and long-term illnesses would be treated under the handbook language but cautioned that documentation alone does not necessarily exempt an absence from the district's count unless specific conditions are met.
Members also discussed how makeup work should be handled in a largely online/Google Classroom environment and whether teachers should have discretion for particular assignments; administrators said they would clarify language allowing teacher discretion where appropriate.
After extended discussion, a motion to approve the 6–12 handbook (including the new absence policy as presented) was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board directed administration to notify families of the change and to bring procedures for documenting excused versus counted absences and for bringing chronically absent students to the board for review.
The superintendent said the district will monitor attendance and bring any necessary clarifications to future meetings.
