In the midst of some notable new changes of the new 2025-2026 school year, the update to exemptions is prominent. The informational papers that are located in the main hallway and classrooms give a full overview of requirements for exemptions this year.
These papers state that to obtain an exemption this year, students must have three or fewer absences or tardies. Last year, students were allowed up to five absences before losing their exemption.
Cypress Fairbanks ISD is funded by state and local sources based on average daily attendance of their students. Last year, the district had a goal of a 95% attendance rate for their schools. However, not one high school met this objective.
Spanish teacher Aimee Ruiz says one positive is the policy promote regular attendance.
“ I think it encourages students to attend class with more frequency,” Ruiz said. “ I think it impacts students because it forces them to be physically present in class instead of just taking days off for asinine reasons.”
The new exam exemption policy created some disappointment from students and families. Junior Emily Clifton expressed concern over the new exemption policy.
“I don’t like the new exemption policy personally because I do have vertigo, and so I do have to miss a bunch of school because of the illness I have,” Clifton said. “And it’s not fair because doctor’s notes don’t get to excuse the absences. And only three days? I mean, I can’t physically walk into school when I have vertigo because I’ll be dizzy.”
In response, parents spoke at the September board meeting and one parent started a petition called “CFISD – Restore Absence Limit to 5 Days for Highschool Exam Exemptions.” Petition creator Denise Guzman states that she started this petition because of her daughter’s weak immune system which causes her to miss school regularly.
“This not only hampers individual recovery but also inadvertently contributes to the spread of illness among peers,” Guzman said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the importance of allowing proper time to recover from illness to prevent a prolonged version of the disease and to prevent further spreading.
“I propose reverting the policy back to allowing five absences for exam exemption, excluding the day of the final exam,” Guzman said. “By making this adjustment, schools can better support their students, ensuring they are healthy and fully prepared to take on their academic responsibilities.”
