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Smithfield board reviews overhaul of attendance policy, proposes detentions and extracurricular ineligibility for repeated tardiness
Summary
At a first reading, the Smithfield School Committee reviewed a substantial rewrite of its attendance policy to align with RIDE guidance, including a quarterly four‑strike grace, one‑hour detention beginning at five tardies/dismissals and possible social suspension and extracurricular ineligibility for repeated infractions.
The Smithfield School Committee on Monday reviewed a proposed, comprehensive rewrite of the district's attendance and academic‑achievement policy that would tighten rules on tardiness and unexcused dismissals and increase family notification for chronic absenteeism.
Staff said the draft replaces the district's vague prior language and aligns with guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Under the draft, a student must be in attendance more than 50 percent of the school day to be marked present; the committee used 10:30 a.m. as an illustrative example. The policy would grant a quarterly grace period of four combined tardies or early dismissals; at five, students would receive one hour of detention at the high school (45 minutes at the middle school). Additional incidents could prompt social suspension and ineligibility for sports or other extracurricular activities through the end of the quarter.
"What is the big change in this particular section' is really around the tardies or early dismissals from 5 through 8," a district presenter said, explaining the graduated consequences and the district's intent to increase parent notification. The presenter said automated absence calls will trigger letters at five, 10 and 15 absences, with school‑level attendance teams and MTSS processes charged with early identification and intervention.
Committee members asked whether coaches and after‑school leaders would be informed so they can support the effort; staff said they expect coaches to emphasize the policy at preseason meetings and that the policy resets each quarter. Members also sought clarity on detention staffing; staff said a stipend currently exists for detention supervisors and principals assign coverage.
The committee emphasized the policy is a first reading and will return for final action. The presenter said the policy will be added to the student handbook and come back at the next meeting for final approval.
