Several school districts in North Louisiana are now holding the parents of excessively absent students accountable.
    
Leaders of the Lafayette Parish School System says they will continue to follow the state mandate regarding absenteeism. .

The school district confirms that it’s willing to work with the parent and student when it comes to absenteeism.  The school district allows students to make-up the credit they missed during the days they were absent..”

David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy Principal Jeff Debetaz says it’s important for a child to be in school to get the instruction they need. “When ever children miss school they miss instruction that can be made up possibly but never will they get all the instruction.  You can’t make up a days work in an hour session.”

Debetaz says a student with attendance problems tends to struggle with academics. “Again it’s very difficult to make up a days work or two days work in a few makeup sessions,” Debetaz says .

LPSS Chief Administrative Officer Joe Craig says the “compulsory attendance” guidelines are set by the state.  If a student misses more than 10 unexcused days, there could be consequences.

An excessively absent student could be retained in the grade they’re in. In extreme cases, action will be taken against the parent. “Occasionally a parent can get referred to the district attorney’s office for not bringing their kids to school and the truancy issue,” Craig states.

Craig says school districts never want to retain a child in their grade level due to attendance problems. “I would always encourage kids to go to school because teachers make that connection with the student, they know you are there for learning and they’re there to provide support to you,” Craig adds.

“Compulsory Attendance” applies to students 7 to 18 years of age, Craig explains.