A bold, timely concern is unfolding in Leon County Schools: the district is considering a new attendance policy aimed at students with repeated unexcused absences.
Under the proposal, a pattern of five unexcused absences in one month or ten within a 90-day period would trigger intervention. The policy would require the principal to refer the student to a designated child study team.
The team may accommodate parents by allowing virtual or telephone participation if in-person attendance isn’t possible. If a parent cannot attend, the meeting can proceed without them, and the team will send its recommendations to the parent within seven days based on the information available.
Leon County School Board member Darryl Jones described the measure as a crucial step toward supporting students’ cognitive development, readiness for assessments, and smoother transitions between grade levels.
Beyond identifying attendance patterns, the child study team would increase communication, investigate the root causes of absences, and connect families with helpful services. If a student ignores attendance requirements, the team may refer the case to the Department of Juvenile Justice, offering voluntary family services before a formal staffing decision is made.
Parents retain the right to appeal these referrals and the proposed strategies if they believe them to be unnecessary or inappropriate. The policy also states that students who respond to these interventions should not be labeled as habitually late.
Another feature of the policy is the designation of a Designated School Representative. This staff member can visit homes or other locations to reach out to families and arrange transportation or bring students to a designated truancy site if a parent cannot be reached.
Jones emphasized the district’s commitment to proactive outreach, home visits, and responsive support for each student’s needs.
The policy further notes that if cooperation from parents or students does not materialize after 15 days of the referral to the child study team, the superintendent would report the situation to law enforcement and may refer it to the Office of the State Attorney for possible criminal proceedings.
Stay tuned for Eyewitness News at 5 and 6 p.m. for the complete coverage, with updates anticipated later today as details emerge.
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