The new Washoe County School District policy that only allows 17 missed school days is just too aggressive. This policy is very black and white, there is no gray area here. 

This policy is forcing parents to send their children to school sick, which in turn causes more children to become sick.

This policy does not allow excused time for children with chronic illness, sick family members, or a loss of family member. The policy states that NO absence is to be excused regardless of the reason, not even with a doctor note.

This policy has the potential for a student to either fail or be held back, even if all missed work is completed. Students are  tagged as chronically absent when they reach a 10-day absent status.