SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY WON'T CHANGE

A perfect attendance policy that some feared was prompting some Cape Girardeau students to come to school sick will remain in place following an administrative review.

However, the district will take a look at a different section of its attendance policy concerning the number of absences students may accumulate during a semester.

In November, some Cape Girardeau doctors and others suggested the school board modify its perfect attendance policy when it comes to final exams. The policy says that if students have perfect attendance, no discipline referrals and a "C" average or above in a class, they aren't required to take finals at semester's end. The exams account for 10 percent of a course's credit.

The policy applies to high school students and ninth-grade students at Central Junior High.

Assistant Superintendent Bill Biggerstaff told the Cape Girardeau Board of Education Monday that he had discussed the perfect attendance policy with school principals, who in turn had talked with staff and students. The report was positive, Biggerstaff said. "They felt there were great benefits with the policy," he said.

In particular, school records don't show an increase in illnesses reported after the policy went into place.

"We don't feel any need for a change in the policy at this time," Biggerstaff said.

Superintendent Dan Tallent said Monday that students want strict rules concerning skipping finals.

"Students have seen this as a way to recognize an achievement," he said, "not just a way to get out of taking finals."

In November, doctors suggested the policy creates a potential health risk because students come to school ill and spread their germs among classmates.

Gregory Dullum said Monday his daughter has gone to school sick, not because she was interested in skipping her finals, but she is afraid she won't graduate from high school.

Dullum asked the board to reconsider its policy limiting students to six absences per semester. Dullum's children have missed 10 days this fall for holy days ascribed by their religion.

"We must choose between obeying God and obeying the policy," Dullum said. "Suddenly we are in the wrong for our religious beliefs."

In order for students to receive course credit or be considered for promotion to the next grade level, they must be present a minimum of 95 percent of the time. The policy is being phased in. In 1993, students were allowed nine absences per semester. This year students are allowed six. Next year five absences will be allowed.

In a five-page letter to the board, Dullum outlined a number of reasons why the policy should be changed, including an assertion that the policy is inconsistent.

"According to your policy, only six days of absences are permitted," he said. "Yet, a bad, unruly and disruptive student can get suspended for several days and not have that lost time counted against those six days. An exception is made for that student."

In response, board member Robert Fox asked that school administrators look at the attendance policy and also the discipline policy.

"I find it hard to fathom that students who are suspended aren't counted as absent," Fox said.

He also asked administrators to look at the benefits and costs of in-school suspension, a discipline program that allows students to complete schoolwork while being suspended.