Howard Meagle doesn't want his children to be punished for being ill, but is concerned that a new districtwide attendance policy could do just that.

"The idea of being retained because of being sick is a concern to me," Meagle said.

The policy was adopted Monday night by the Cape Girardeau Board of Education. It has been considered at three recent meetings, but wasn't officially adopted until Monday. It will take effect next week when classes begin.

With the new policy, permissible student absences will be reduced from 18 each year to 10 by the 1999-2000 school year. The plan will be gradually phased in to allow students and parents time to adjust.

If students exceed the established limit, they can be considered for grade retention or reduced credit. However, the matter can be appealed in special circumstances.

The policy should have little effect on the junior-high and high-school students since a similar plan is already in place. But it will be new for elementary students.

Despite a change, the policy shouldn't be a problem for most students, said Brenda Woemmel, NEA president for the district.

There are students who are dedicated and will always be there, but there are also students who count the number of days and will take all they are entitled to, she said.

During the 1996-97 school year, the number of excused absences will drop from 18 to 16 days.

"We've never penalized anyone for being sick," said superintendent, Dr. Dan Tallent.

Parents and teachers who served on an educational programs committee and area business leaders first proposed the policy change.

In other business, the board approved a transportation waiver for 100 students who live within a one-mile radius of a school but must cross four lane roads. The students will now be eligible to ride a bus instead of crossing busy intersections. The board approved a similar waiver last fall for students in the May Greene school district.

The number of students hasn't been determined, since classes haven't started yet, Tallent said. But approving the waiver for 100 students should provide a cushion until a final count is taken.

CAPE GIRARDEAU BOARD OF EDUCATION

Monday, Aug. 19

Vocational-Technical School Room 214

Informational Reports

-- Finance committee report.

Action Items

-- Adopted districtwide attendance policy.

-- Selected Terry Taylor and Bob Fox as MSBA delegates.

-- Adopted testing plan for 1996-97 school year.

-- Set school meal prices for 1996-97 year.

-- Accepted cafeteria bids for crackers, bread and milk.

-- Accepted eligibility criteria for free and reduced meals.

-- Approved participation in Caring Communities program that creates a position for a site-based Division of Family Services Worker.

-- Approved transportation of students residing less than one mile from a school.

Non-action items

-- Final expenditure reports for Special Services programs.

-- MSBA state convention.

-- MSBA regional meeting.

-- Joint meeting with City Council.

Closed Session