Barbara Anne Greene

A few weeks ago, Cynthia Johnson called to “plant a seed” in my thoughts. Her granddaughter was making plans for the upcoming livestock judging and livestock showing season and if she misses more than 12 days of school she will be in violation of the school policy. 

Chloie doesn’t play sports. Instead, she shows livestock and competes in livestock and meats judging in Wyoming and surrounding states. In the eyes of that school district, these are unexcused absences. Chloie’s mom, Emily, pointed out that students who play sports and other activities through the school like FFA, debate, FBLA are allowed to miss school for said activities. Why should students who choose 4-H and agriculture as their “sport” be penalized? 

Other states have created legislation to recognize 4-H activities as an excused absence.

I reached out to Gov. Mark Gordon and Sen. R.J. Kost. Both said that education is “more than having a student’s butt in a seat.” Especially given how important ag is in Wyoming. They both also said that they would like to see other educational opportunities — not just 4-H — considered as excused absences. Kost gave the example of summer programs for high schoolers. His sons participated in these programs and there were times that they had meetings during the school year.

The governor suggested that I visit with Sen. Affie Ellis as she had similar concerns regarding indigenous student’s cultural traditions. I reached out to Ellis and Rep. Lloyd Larsen, who provided the following.  

"21-3-110 Duties of boards of trustees.

The board of trustees in each school district shall: (xxxix) Define "habitual truancy" and "unexcused absence" for all students who are attending public schools and establish rules regarding student attendance. For purposes of this paragraph, an absence preapproved by the district or an absence due to an illness, injury or the health care needs of the student or a death or serious illness in the student’s family shall not constitute an unexcused absence. Students participating in the annual state fair held under W.S. 11-10-101 as an exhibitor shall be considered as participating in a district co curricular activity program and the student's absence shall be defined by the board as an excused absence. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit a school district from requesting verification of the reasons for an absence." 

While this sounds great, there are still variables that are not addressed. First, many school district’s that I spoke to were not aware that the absences could be pre-approved by the board. So that means some students are getting the benefit of this statute and some aren’t. I spoke to BHCSD4 Superintendent Dave Kerby and BHC 4-H Education Coordinator Gretchen Gasvoda. Neither was aware of the statute but indicated that the school district works to make sure these opportunities are not missed by these students.

Second, per Kost: The statute should include that it is required that the student’s work is caught up and/or being met by online or instruction from instructors.

I sent copies of the bill from Oklahoma that specifically lists 4-H activities should be excused. Larsen said he feels that the current statute is enough and that if a school district isn’t following it, the board can be voted out.

Johnson countered that the board could be voted out but that might take years and, in the meantime, students would lose the opportunity.

Originally this column was going to push for a bill. This is truly an issue for many of our students. I’m not advocating a free for all but true educational opportunities outside of school are important as well.

I agree with Cynthia, this needs to be fair across the school districts. Does there need to be a bill? I don’t know. Will this column help to educate parents, students and school boards across the state? I don’t know.

What I do know is that any true opportunity that helps our students advance their education should be considered as an excused absence.

Thank you to the governor, our legislators, Kerby, Gretchen, Cynthia, Emily and Chloie for your insight.

(Barbara Anne Greene is a reporter for Big Horn County newspapers.)