Additional Coverage:
- Tennessee school district refuses doctor’s notes, says ‘students will be expected to go sick or injured’ (themirror.com)
Lawrence County, TN Schools Crack Down on Absences, Won’t Accept Doctor’s Notes
Lawrence County Schools is taking a hard line on student absences, announcing a new policy that will no longer accept doctor’s notes as excuses. Citing concerns over high truancy rates, Director of Schools Michael Adkins stated the policy aims to instill a “work ethic” in students, preparing them for a future where they may be “expected to come to work sick or injured.”
The new policy has sparked controversy among parents who fear prolonged illnesses could now land their children in juvenile court for truancy. While the district says it will implement a system to validate absences for students with chronic conditions, the specifics remain unclear. Adkins downplayed the concerns, stating, “If you have the sniffles, that is fine.”
The district has informed local doctors about the change, requesting they emphasize the importance of school attendance to their young patients. Adkins stressed the district’s determination to control student attendance, declaring, “You can bring all the doctor’s notes you want, but it is still unexcused.”
Students face serious consequences for unexcused absences, including failing grades, denial of participation in graduation ceremonies, and potential loss of driving privileges. Furthermore, if a student is sent home by the school nurse after arriving ill, it will be counted as a tardy.
Facing parental backlash, school board member Chad Shannon has called for a public forum and vote on the policy, allowing for community input and potential revisions. State data reveals approximately 14% of Lawrence County students were chronically absent during the 2023-2024 school year, missing at least 10% of instructional days.