Hey there, fellow Hoosier parents, here’s a heads-up on some changes for the upcoming school year.
Even though summer is still in full swing, big changes are on the horizon when it comes to how your child’s school attendance will be counted and reported starting July 1, 2025. This comes as part of Indiana’s updated attendance law, Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 482, and it’s super important for families to understand what’s changing.
Not Counted as Absences (Student Is Marked Present)
Some activities, even though they happen outside the classroom, will not count against your child’s attendance, as long as the proper documentation is provided:
- Serving as a page or honoree at the Indiana Statehouse
- Participating in Election Day activities
- Being subpoenaed to court
- Active military duty (15+ days per year)
- Approved participation in 4-H, FFA, or Indiana State Fair events
- Pre-approved school-sponsored educational activities
Excused, But Still Counted as Absent
These absences are legitimate and may be excused, but they will still count toward your child’s absence total under the new rules.
- Illness (physical or mental) with a parent’s call or a doctor’s note
- Family emergencies or the death of a loved one
- Pre-planned family vacations
- Recognized religious holidays
- Unexpected events (weather, lack of transportation, nurse dismissals)
These types of absences must follow district policy and procedures to be excused. It seems like a family emergency or the death of a loved one should be excused and not counted as an actual absence. But that’s just my opinion.
You can read the fine print about these changes from the Department of Education by clicking here…