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Board holds first reading on absence policy; debate centers on whether a doctor's note should be required
Summary
On first read the board considered language making all absences count toward the 65‑hour excessive‑absence threshold except those excused by a doctor's note. One board member cited state guidance saying medically excused absences should not count and that a doctor's note is not required; administration said principals favor requiring a note and will return the item for a second read in July.
The Bellbrook‑Sugarcreek board conducted a first reading of a proposed revision to its excessive‑absence policy at the June 28 meeting. The proposed language would tally all absences toward the 65‑hour threshold except those excused by a physician's note.
A board member noted that Ohio law and administrative code indicate medically excused absences should not count toward the 65‑hour threshold and that the law does not mandate a doctor's note. That member said the district’s current policy — which allows parents to excuse students without a physician’s note for a limited number of instances — is consistent with state guidance and allows families flexibility when children are legitimately ill.
Administration and several principals said they prefer requiring a doctor’s note to exclude an absence from the 65‑hour count, arguing that the requirement helps control attendance and reduces potential abuse. Administration characterized the change as a response to principal feedback and said handbook language will be revised to mirror any final policy change.
Board members discussed implementation concerns — for example, how the 65‑hour threshold operates as a trigger to prompt staff outreach and support rather than immediate punishment. Several members emphasized compassion for families with legitimate medical needs and noted an exam‑exemption policy at the high school level that links to absence totals.
Because this was a first read, the board did not vote on the change. Administration will collect feedback and return the revised policy for a second reading and vote at the district’s July meeting.
