(Spirit Lake)– The Spirit Lake School Board Monday evening adopted an amended attendance policy for high school students. It carries tougher penalties for repeat offenders.
Under the new policy, after the third unexcused absence the student may lose credit if absences continue. After the seventh, the student and his or her parent will be referred to the County Attorney.
In addition, if a student has an unacceptable number of excused and non-excused absences in combination, parents will be notified as follows: after the 10 combined absence, medical documentation will be required to support the continued excused absences; after the 15th combined absence a letter will be sent to the County Attorney and action may or may not be taken as circumstances warrant.
The policy also contains an appeals process and outlines other sanctions for attendance patterns, including loss of driver’s license.
The new policy goes in effect October 1st.
In other business, the board adopted a parking policy that provides penalties to students who park where they’re not supposed to. First-time violators receive a warning; the second offense carries a five-dollar fine; the third offense is a 10-dollar fine; and on the fourth offense the vehicle will be towed.
That policy is also effective October 1st.
On a related note, the board authorized designating four spaces in the west parking lot at the High School for visitors. They’ll be marked with special signs.
