The procedure for parents being held accountable for unexcused absences for their public, private and home-schooled children in Coweta County will change when the new school year begins in August. The 6th unexcused absence will result in a complaint being filed with Coweta County Magistrate Court that could result in misdemeanor charges.

School Superintendent Blake Bass said the measure, addressed in a school board meeting earlier this month, came as a result of a review by the Protocol Committee of a state law governing unexcused, cumulative absences.

Bass said the law pertains to an age range between the 6th and 16th birthdays. The board’s change in protocol is a preliminary one, Bass said, adding that the next step will be to confer with the Magistrate Court to work out the mechanics of the enforcement measure and report back to the school board. Bass said he expects that process to be completed before the beginning of the school year in August.

As envisioned, the school system will make two attempt to contact the parent after the 5th unexcused absence. One of those attempts will be by certified letter, Bass said. The 6th unexcused absence will trigger a complaint filed with Coweta County Magistrate Court. The same process will hold true after the 7th unexcused absence.

Bass said the current practice has been to send letters to parents after the 5th, 7th and 8th unexcused absences.