Clinton Public School District

The Mississippi Department of Education recently updated student attendance requirements based on the new law passed by the Mississippi Legislature prior to the start of the 2026-2027 school year. 

The change in policy will require students enrolled in the Clinton Public School District to be present for 66 percent of the student’s school day to be counted present as opposed to the previous requirement of 63 percent. 

The change in state policy also allows students only five excused absences each semester. 

The first three absences can be excused with a note or phone call from a parent or guardian. Medical documentation is required after the third day of illness related absences.

Medical excuses must be submitted to the student’s school within two business days of the student’s return in order for the absence to be considered excused.

Any extenuating circumstance requiring students to exceed the allowed number of excused absences must be approved by a principal in order to be considered excused or else they will be deemed unlawful absences. 

School sanctioned events and activities requiring students to be off campus will not be counted as an absence.

According to the new statewide update, students who exceed the five excused absences and who have not had further absences approved by the principal will be referred to the district’s School Attendance Officer.