The Cumberland County Board of Education will consider a request to exclude excused absences during April 2 through 9 from school policies allowing students to be excused from semester tests provided they meet certain grade and attendance benchmarks.
That week is the week that had been scheduled as spring break until the BOE voted to use those days to make up for time missed due to snow and inclement weather.
Director of Schools Aarona VanWinkle told the policy committee of the BOE last week, "We changed the rules midstream. If we're changing the rules, we need to be able to be more flexible with our policy."
If approved, only excused absences during the week of April 2-9 would be waived from the semester test exemption.
Policy 6.200 already gives principals the authority to excuse absences, VanWinkle said.
"If we follow the policy and the law, we would address if absences are excused or unexcused and then we would not use those excused days against the exemptions for the finals during that week," she said.
The policy states absences which occur due to circumstances which, in the opinion of the principal, create emergencies over which the student has no control, or which involve an educational opportunity not otherwise available to the child, may be excused. If the child will miss more than three days of school, approval from the principal is required.
Students are excused from semester tests if they have an A average and have a maximum of three excused absences; a B average and a maximum of two excused absences; and a C average with a maximum of one excused absence.
Roger Hyder, 4th District representative, wondered if waiving that portion of the policy would lead to students taking advantage of the attendance policy during that week.
"If it is not an excused absence, it will count against them," VanWinkle said.
The BOE will meet March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Central Office on Fourth St.
Area News
School board to consider waiving exam policy
- Area News
-
-
Long-time coach, teacher granted diversion
A long-time Cumberland County elementary school teacher and coach indicted in March on a charge of assault in connection with the paddling of a child has been granted diversion in the case and will be eligible to have the charge removed from his record once he completes terms of the sentencing agreement.
-
Honoring fallen heroes
-
Laurel Hills POA action questioned by State Attorney General
The Laurel Hills Property Owners Association on Renegade Mountain recently notified Renegade Mountain residents and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation that, effective July 9, 2012, it would no longer provide water service to any party other than itself with its water system.
The action has caused a hearing, scheduled Monday, May 21, before the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA). -
Looking Back
A weekly historical news feature.
-
Homestead named Lighthouse School of Excellence
Although they call themselves the Bulldogs, students at Homestead Elementary School did not mind Principal Robin Perry describing them as butterflies last week.
-
Suspect faces multiple charges in burglaries
A Cumberland County man was arrested in connection with two burglaries during which thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and tools were stolen. Some of the property has been recovered, according to arrest warrant affidavits.
-
School attendance an issue for those over 18
While state law and school system policies are proving helpful in getting younger students to school, school officials are finding increasing absenteeism among students 18 years and older.
-
Report shows Justice Center needs much work to repair leaks
Commissioners on the building and grounds committee made a consensus agreement earlier this week to have the county attorney review an extensive repair estimate report for work needed at the Cumberland County Justice Center in order to repair numerous leaks and problems.
-
Fire engulfs residence
-
School bus driver cited for leaving the scene
A Cumberland County school bus driver was given a summons to court and, according to unconfirmed reports, is no longer employed as a driver, after the bus she was driving with 63 persons on board struck a concrete guard rail and then continued on its way.
- More Area News Headlines
-
Long-time coach, teacher granted diversion
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
At Least 25 Dead in India Train Collision
Raw Video: Private Rocket Blasts Off
Boy to Rescuers: 'Do You Have a Plan?'
Doctors and Devotees Debate Barefoot Running
Blacks Seek to Find Their Own Missing
Houston Museum Unveils $85 Million Dinosaur Hall
Chicago Police: 90 Arrested in NATO Protests
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case
Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates
Raw Video: Man Saved After Niagara Falls Plunge
NATO: Afghan Exit 'Irreversible'
Catholic Groups Sue Over Contraception Mandate
4 Arrested After Man's Beating at Dodger Stadium
Investors Slap Facebook 11 Percent Lower
Raw Video: Dramatic 270-Foot Waterfall Rescue
Fingers Do the Fighting at Wrestling Tourney
