Caledonia Argus

Board hears concerns on attendance policy

Posted: 8/6/02

By Shannon McKinney

Argus News Reporter

Stephanie Lundt, a 10th grade student at Caledonia High School this year did not receive the answer she was looking for from ISD #299 board members Monday, night August 5.

Lundt and her mother, Barb, approached the board seeking some revisions to Caledonia High Schoolís attendance policy which does not give credit for any class in which absences exceed four in one quarter. Once a year, however, a fifth day of absence is allowed for a vacation day. Students are notified of the loss of credit at the end of the quarter and may appeal the decision to a committee.

Lundt requested that students be able to save their absence days throughout the year, a total of 16, so that vacation days can be used all at once. In a situation last year, Lundt went on vacation in Florida to see her grandfather and used up a total of seven days, which is two over the allotted amount. She later received a note in her file that stated she would lose her credits for that quarter if it happened again.

Board member Bruce Bulman said he could see the sense of using absences from other quarters, but expressed concern that a lot of time is lost with the block scheduling. One week loss is actually two weeks.

Board member Suzanne Roesler commented, ìWeíre in the business of providing an education not vacation time.î

Board Chair Cheryl Whitesitt said she sees banking days as a management nightmare.

Stephanie Lundt pointed out, however, that it didnít seem fair that students who didnít miss any days the first three quarters should be in jeopardy of missing the last quarter of credits because of an extended vacation.

Interim Superintendent Jim Tool commented against a banking policy, ìTheyíre in school for 175 days and off 190 days. I think we should be able to go 175 days.î

The only change approved for the attendance policy was a recommendation from Secondary Principal Brian Doty who suggested that in the effort of saving time and coordinating schedules, he would meet with students first in lieu of a committee to hear the studentís appeals. Then, if the appeals warranted a committee, a committee would be assembled.

Commenting on the attendance policy, Doty noted that the issue of vacation days continues to raised by parents who feel they are entitled to take their children on vacation during the school year. He added, though, that the policy was made because there was a time when many parents were entitling themselves to too many vacation and sick days. He said, ìSo, itís a balancing act.î

Barb Lundt said she understands that the system may have been taken advantage of at one time, but suggested that absence issues could be dealt with on a case by case basis.

The student handbook was approved without Lundtís suggested revisions.

Aid Anticipation certificates approved

The board approved purchasing $3,085,000 of General Obligation Aid Anticipation Certificates of Indebtedness at 1.6587% interest from Commerce Capital Markets, Inc. to be used for the next school year.

The interest rate is significantly lower than last yearís borrowing rate of 2.8423% interest.

The low rate is attributed to the uncertainty of the stock market and more people investing in municipals for the security said Kristen Hansen of Ehlers and Associates.

Auction is a success

The districtís auction last week was a success and brought in more money than anticipated, a net of $7,800. The auction lasted from 4:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m.

Another day was scheduled last Saturday, August 3, to allow people to move out their items. Things that have not been sold are free to the public until Friday this week. The items can be found behind the current/old high school.

Teachers can move in now

Board member Chuck Schulte announced that any teachers who wish to being unpacking their rooms in the new middle school high school can begin doing so this week during regular business hours.

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