High school attendance changes OK'd

The Whitefish School Board March 13 approved changes to the high school attendance policy.

Under the new policy, students are permitted a maximum of 10 absences in any class during a semester as along as the absences have parental approval or medical documentation. School related absences are not included in the count.

Previously absences were classified as excused or unexcused based on a lengthy list under both categories. Students were allowed a total of 10 excused and unexcused absences and tardies.

The policy for tardies was also changed. Students who accumulate three tardies per class are required to serve one hour of Saturday school.

Vice principal Jackie Fuller said the changes are meant to simplify the policy.

“The feedback from teachers is that this is great,” Fuller said.

Under college visits, a student is allowed to make two college visits for a total of five days during the course of the year. The updates allow for both juniors and seniors to make college visits.

“I find that juniors are making a lot more college visits,” Fuller said.

In other action, the board:

• Approved renewing the district’s membership to the Montana School Board Association.

• Voted to call for a trustee and levy election in May. The board will decide in April on whether or not to hold a levy election.

• Approved several retirements: Jerrie Boksich, Virginia Baldwin, Carol Trieweiler, Benilda Delgado, Patti Braunberger, Norma MacKenzie, Tom Bertelsen, Chris Ruffatto, Diane Rogerson. Approved the resignation of Glenda Walker and the transfer of Gail Ellis from Muldown secretary to district deputy clerk.