In new year, Sarasota parents may have 3 days to excuse absence

In the new year, Sarasota's school board will vote on an attendance policy that sets out a three-day window for parents to send in an attendance note following an excused absence. 

The policy also further details what counts as an excused and unexcused absence. 

At present, attendance requirements are inconsistent across schools, said board member Liz Barker. 

Although the Student Code of Conduct permits a three-day window, that time frame is not specified in the current attendance policy, with some schools allowing five days, she said. 

The new policy also more clearly outlines what counts as an excused or unexcused absence.

Approval of advertising passed through a vote of 3-1, with Barker and board member Tom Edwards in dissent. 

Barker said the current process of turning in an attendance notes was cumbersome. She and Edwards said a process was needed to ensure the policy was fair to extracurricular activities across political aisles. 

The board will gather public comment on the policy at its Jan. 20 meeting.