The Plymouth Community School Corporation is changing the way it handles unexcused absences. Dean of Students Ken Olson presented the corporation’s new truancy policies to the school board Tuesday, as part of larger changes to the student handbooks.
He explained that if a student is absent, parents have up to 48 hours to give a reason why. Olson added that parents are contacted on the day of the absence and then again after the 48 hours, if school officials don’t hear back. If the school still doesn’t get an excuse, the student is then considered truant.
Under the new policy, school administrators then meet with the student and assign a disciplinary action. Parents are also given a final opportunity to offer a reason for the absence. If none is given, an informational letter is sent to the Marshall County Probation Department.
If a student is truant a second time, the Probation Department then schedules a meeting with the student and parents to begin a “truancy contract.” That’s in addition to the school’s disciplinary measures. If a third truancy occurs, the school will report that the student is in violation of the truancy contract, and further action may be taken. Olson explained the policy will mainly apply to students in grades 5 through 12, but it may impact elementary school students, as well.
Other handbook changes include updates to Lincoln Junior High School’s student pickup-up procedures, along with its cell phone and tardy policies. Meanwhile, Plymouth High School is clarifying its class rank system. The changes will allow for multiple valedictorians or salutatorians, in the event of a tie. Additionally, the high school’s dual credit policies are being brought in line with changes at the state level.
No action was requested from the school board. Olson said the changes will officially take effect at the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year.
