A new Truancy Policy will be implemented  next school year for Washington Public Schools.

 

Truancy as described by the Washington School Board at their most recent meeting “is the act of being absent without a reasonable excuse”. A new plan adopted by the board, designates that students with five unexcused absences in a quarter will be given an Individual Attendance Plan (IAP) which will last a minimum of six weeks.

 

Mediation request for Truancy may be set up with the County Attorney’s Office after a failed IAP or if the student has reached an accumulative total of 20 unexcused absences. 

The board reminds parents that it is their responsibility to notify the student attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student won’t be attending school that day. The principal may request evidence or written verification of the student’s reason for absence.