If a student misses part or all of the school day, documentation must be submitted to the Attendance Office no later than 48 hours after the absence. Absence notes should include the following information:

• Student’s Name
• Student ID#
• Grade Level
• Date(s) of Absence 
• Reason for Absence

Absence notes may be hand delivered or emailed. All electronic notifications may be submitted below.

Submit an Absence Note

If you need to pick up your student early, please sign them out at the Main Office. A valid photo ID is required to verify that you are listed as an emergency contact. Students are responsible for making up any missed classwork.

State law (Texas Education Code Section 25.085) requires that all students aged 6 through 19 attend school. Compulsory attendance also applies to students who are younger than six who have been voluntarily enrolled in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten.

Students are required to attend school from the time the school day begins until the time the school day ends. A partial day absence occurs when a student is not present for part of the school day. This means that leaving school early or arriving after school begins (tardy), even if the child attended some of the day, may count against the student. 

If a student is late to class for more than 50 percent of the class period, the student will be counted absent for that class period. Acceptable reasons for an excused tardy are the same as an excused absence.

Students who violate this law may get referral(s) for court proceedings against the parent, guardian or student to enforce the law.

Violation of the law occurs when students get unexcused absences for 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period.

In addition to the Compulsory Attendance Law, there is the “90% Rule,” which states that in order to receive credit for a final grade for a class, a student is required to attend class 90 percent of the days a class is offered regardless of whether the student’s absences are excused or unexcused.

• If a student drops below 90% but attends class at least at 75% of the days the class is offered, the student may earn credit for the class by completing a plan approved by the principal.
• If the student drops below 75% of the days the class is offered, the student may earn credit for the class by completing a plan approved by the Campus Attendance Committee.

The local campus Attendance Committee will review the appeal request for extenuating circumstances and may impose conditions on the receipt of credit. See Austin ISD Board Policies FEC (LEGAL) and FEC (LOCAL). 

There will be no remote learning options for attendance funding, per the State of Texas.

A VOE is required by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for students applying for a learner’s permit or driver's license. To receive a VOE, students must:

• Be currently enrolled

• Be in good standing with attendance (in accordance with TEA and Texas DPS requirements)

How to Request a VOE Form:

1. Request your VOE at least 24 hours in advance.

2. Submit your request using one of the following methods:

   • In person: Visit the Attendance Office

   • By email: belinda.arellano@austinisd.org

3. Pick up your completed VOE from the Attendance Office during school hours once notified it's ready.

VOEs are valid for 30 days during the school year and for 90 days during summer break.