School district removes excused absences, could send students to court for missing school
Parents could face court referrals after 8 student absences under new rules
LAWRENCEBURG, Tennessee (CNN)- A controversial new school attendance policy in Tennessee is drawing national attention after a school district announced that students may be referred to juvenile court after eight absences — even if they are sick.
The Lawrence County School System has implemented a stricter attendance policy that no longer recognizes doctor’s notes as a valid excuse for missing school. Instead, students will be marked either “present” or “absent,” with few exceptions.
Parents alarmed by removal of sick day protections
Rebecca Sanchez, a parent in the district, said her 10-year-old daughter missed 17 days last school year due to strep throat and the flu. Under the new rules, even half that number of missed days would now result in serious consequences.
“If she is absent for even half of that time this year, it’ll now result in a referral,” Sanchez said. “This has changed my mind about homeschooling.”
Court referrals possible after eight absences
District officials say interventions will begin after a student misses three days. If a student reaches eight or more absences, they may be referred to juvenile court and face penalties that include failing a course or grade, losing driving privileges, and being barred from graduation activities.
“You can fail the grade; you can fail the course,” said Director of Schools Michael Adkins. “You are going to be petitioned to court.”
District defends policy as preparation for the workforce
Adkins and other school leaders say the policy is intended to reinforce reliability and work ethic among students.
“If you have the sniffles, that is fine,” Adkins said. “You are going to have them when you go to work one day. We have all gone to work sick and hurt, beat up.”
The district also sent a letter to local healthcare providers, urging them to “emphasize the importance of regular school attendance” when treating school-age children.
Other districts maintain sick leave flexibility
Unlike Lawrence County, several nearby Tennessee school districts — including those in Nashville, Rutherford County, and Clarksville — continue to accept medical documentation to excuse absences.
“This policy just doesn’t make sense,” Sanchez said. “How can someone else decide what’s wrong with my child?”
As the new school year approaches, parents in Lawrence County say they’re bracing for difficult decisions.
“Ultimately, I’m going to do what’s right for my kid, regardless of this policy,” Sanchez said.