Tulsa Schools' new attendance plan on hold

It's back to the drawing board for Tulsa Public Schools. It's trying to come up with a new attendance plan. <br><br>Last year half of Tulsa's students, more than 21,000 missed more than ten

Tuesday, August 20th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

It's back to the drawing board for Tulsa Public Schools. It's trying to come up with a new attendance plan.

Last year half of Tulsa's students, more than 21,000 missed more than ten days. Superintendent Dr David Sawyer had proposed limiting the number of absentees to five per semester before a student would lose class credit. Some parents agreed something needs to be done, but want to make sure any plan is fair. Dr David Sawyer, â€and we expect our students to be present each and every time the doors are open unless there is in fact a legitimate circumstance.â€

Concerned parent, Darryl Bright, â€œwe have seen situations where there's a wink and a handshake for this kid and you go through the third degree and an inquisition for the other kid. Who's going to monitor this process to be sure it's equitable across the board? The students aren't going to be there after they miss that 5 days, why should they come back to school?â€

The Tulsa School board debated the issue then sent it back to the superintendent for further review. Officials will try and draft a new policy that accomplishes attendance goals without confusing students and parents.