OCR Text |
Show School Board Announces Absentee Policy 4 , The Board of Education recently passed a policy which will, it is'hoped.cut down on tho number of absences which occur in the high schools throughout tho district. There has been a considerable amount of talk concerning what Is lost In money to the district when ever a pupil is absent from school, The f'sure is distorted somewhat by the fact that the majority of schools In this district are i special schools, being re cognized' by the State Board of Education by the ' number of teachers and administrative personnel In the school rather than j' by attendance of pupils. However, this Is offset by the fact that the local citizenry have spent and are spending a great amount of money in providing teachers and buildings, as well as operational and maintenance personnel, and other costs Incurred in maintaining and operating school buildings and school programs. These things must be provided, at a cost to the public, even if the people do not see fit to have their children on hand so that tho expenditure is not wasted, While Is 1b a fact that this district actually loses 87c from the State each day a child Is absent from school, in a school In which attendance Is the basis of receiving state money, It can be seen that this is only a small loss compared to the expenditure which is made in providing an educational program for someone who does not avail himself of the opportunity. While money is an important consideration, particularly in this day where economic pressures are on, that Is not the most significant loss that is Been in absences from school. What is lost in educational opportunities cannot be purchased for dollars and cents. As can be seen by the policy, the Board has felt that there are real reasons when a shlld should not be expected to attend school. It Is hoped that through close cooperation between parents, students, and school people, as well aB law enforcement agencies, where needed, that tho only absences will be for legitimate reasons as listed bytbe Board of Education. A copy of this policy has been pent to each home. However, in tho event that a parent did not receive a copy of tho policy they may receive one by contacting either, the high school principals or the office of the School Board. While this policy Is In effect only for pupils of high school age, it is hoped that parents of elementary children will see wisdom in seeing that their children attend Bcuool regularly. |