Overview

• The Lawrence County School System no longer accepts doctor’s notes, classifying every missed day as absent without any excused status.
• Under the new rule, three tardies count as one absence and accruing eight unapproved absences triggers a referral to juvenile court.
• Students who exceed absence limits face course failure, exclusion from graduation and ineligibility for driver’s licenses or permits.
• Exceptions cover chronic illnesses verified by Tennessee providers, bereavement, certain religious observances and emergencies beyond a student’s control.
• The school board will review the policy at its August 4 meeting as parents consider homeschooling or legal action.