Why a doctor's note will no longer excuse absences at this Tennessee school district [View all]

Source: Nashville Tennessean

Lawrence County School System officials announced the new attendance policy during a June 26 board meeting, where Director of Schools Michael Adkins cited high rates of "chronic" absenteeism among students.

Previously, the district allowed multiple excused absences as long as students provided a doctor’s note. Under the new policy, however, a doctor’s note will no longer excuse student absences.

"We have high, chronic absenteeism because of excused absences. This policy says, 'You're either at school or you're not. And if you're not, you're absent.'" said Adkins. "And we're not going to waive that with a doctor's note."

Adkins added that the new policy will allow the school system to "take control" of student attendance.

Read more: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2025/07/28/lawrence-county-tennessee-schools-doctors-note-excuse-absences/85378878007/