Compulsory Attendance: It’s the law

One of the keys to student success is being in the classroom each and every day. As such, the State of Texas has in place compulsory attendance laws that require a student be in attendance each school day for the entire time instruction is provided. Parents whose student is in violation of these laws are subject to prosecution under TEC 25.093, while the student is subject to prosecution under TEC 25.094.

Starting December 1, when a student has accumulated 10 unexcused absences in a six-month period, or on three or more days or parts of days in a four week period, a compulsory attendance notification will be sent to the parent (excused absences do not count against a student for compulsory attendance purposes). In addition, too many early check outs for unexcused reasons at all levels or one period unexcused at a secondary level on three different dates would generate a compulsory attendance notification letter.

The compulsory attendance letter, which is automatically generated by computer and sent by the district’s attendance officer, gives the parent notice that their student has accumulated excessive unexcused absences. The parent is given a five-day grace period from receipt of the letter to correct any discrepancies. (NOTE: Parents who have already received a compulsory attendance letter this year MAY receive a second notification as the transition to the new system take place. Please contact your campus ADA clerk for any questions).

If after six business days from receipt of the compulsory attendance notification no corrections are made, then a court warning notice will be sent. The court warning will notify the parent of the potential of being filed on in court when one of the compulsory attendance statutes is violated. Should the student receive additional unexcused absences, a criminal charge will be filed with the district attorney’s office.

For more information about compulsory attendance, including a full explanation of the district's compulsory attendance policy, visit www.katyisd.org/parents/attendance.htm.