LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The start of a new school year comes with new guidelines for tracking student attendance in Indiana.

A new Indiana law changes how school districts track absences and reports them to the state. Whether a student's absence is excused or unexcused, all absences will be recorded by school districts and sent to the state's Department of Education. It applies for all children from kindergarten to 12th grade. 

But some parents believe excused absences should be separate.

"They shouldn't go into the same file," said Chelsea Jones. "If they're excused, they're excused. They shouldn't be counted against them."

The goal is to address chronic absences, which is considered to any student who misses 10% or more of the school year for any reason. The latest data from the Indiana Department of Education shows in 2023 nearly 20% of students across Indiana were counted as chronically absent.

One of the biggest concerns among parents is how the changes will impact children who are chronically sick.

"I know some people are getting letters in the mail because their kids were sick so much, they had to take them to the doctor so they weren't allowed to go to school," said Stacy Pirtle, a parent. "Then they will also tell you that you can't have your kid at school if they're sick, so it's a Catch 22." 

A memo sent to superintendents and principals highlights what the new law means for schools. Administrators can meet with parents about students missing too many days and provide resources that may help.

But district leaders have a responsibility to report truancy to authorities.

"It puts unnecessary pressure," said Linda Wells-Freiberger, a grandparent. "They have enough pressure as it is."

The law also said districts can't expel or suspend a student solely because of absences or truancy. 

WDRB has not received a response for comment from several school districts and the bill's sponsor. 

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