Attendance Law

School attendance is critical to learning; therefore, the Fayette County Board of Education has instituted a mandatory attendance policy. In addition, at the time of printing a new policy is being enacted in the state of Georgia. In addition, the following laws have been enacted that may affect parents or guardians:

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences will be subject to attendance investigation and can result in penalty as imposed by the Compulsory Education Law (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1)and Student Attendance Protocol Committee Law (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.2);

• Schools will notify by first class mail parents/guardians of students ages 6-16who have accumulated five (5) unexcused absences per semester and will include a copy of the summary of consequences.
• School Operations will notify by letter parents/guardians of students ages 14-17 who have accumulated seven (7) unexcused absences per school year and will include a copy of (O.C.G.A. 40-4-22) the attendance drivers license law and a summary of consequences.
• School Operations will notify by letter parents/guardians of students ages 6-16who have accumulated ten (10) unexcused absences per semester and will report violations to the Student Attendance Protocol Committee to determine if court action will be pursued for formal intervention.
• State law requires a un-emancipated minor over sixteen (16) years of age must have written permission from his or her parent/guardian prior to withdrawing from school.

Penalties: Subject to:

• Fine – not less than $25 and not greater than $100.00
• Imprisonment – not to exceed 30 days
• Community Service or any combination of such penalties, at the discretion of the court.

Excused Absences According to State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.10

• Personal illness
• Serious illness or death in the immediate family (mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, or guardians)
• Court Order
• Religious Holiday
• Instances in which attendance could be hazardous as determined by the Fayette County School System
• Up to five (5) days excused absences per year to students whose parents are in the military and are being deployed or are on leave.
• Service as page in legislature
• Absences to vote in an election

*Please note that the state department of education determines which incidents are excused and unexcused under Rule 160-5-1.10 (see above).