Liberty Principal Looks to Raise Attendance with New Dance Policy

The newest policy from Liberty High School has turned heads in Eldersburg, causing parents and residents to wonder why the school has decided to put requirements on purchasing tickets for school dances.

“I would take it as an insult if I was not allowed to attend prom because I did not score high enough,” said David Weston. “Talk about losing the will to try. We aren't talking about representing the school at a sporting event or a debate. We are talking about being recognized as a student.”

“I think the whole thing is just plain stupid, if you have been expelled for proven bad behavior that is one thing, but for poor grades or attendance is a little much,” said Sharon Lloyd.

According to Liberty High School Principal Thomas Clowes, the purpose of the new policy is to discourage unexcused absences, not to take away the opportunity to attend the homecoming dance that attracted more than 1,100 students at Liberty last year. 

“I’m not trying to take anything away from anyone, I’m trying to incentivize what these kids have,” said Clowes. “My goal is not to keep kids trying hard from attending events they deserve to attend. My goal is to give those students that need an extra push, the incentive to try a little harder.”

Under the new policy, students will not be allowed to purchase tickets or participate in homecoming, prom or senior activities if they do not have 90 percent attendance or better, are academically ineligible, or if they have any outstanding obligations.

According to Cynthia Foley, member of the Board of Education, this is the first school in the county to enforce such a policy.   

The overall attendance for Liberty High School for the 2010-2011 school year was 94 percent, slightly higher than the state average of 92 percent. 

“We don’t have a major problem with attendance,” said Clowes. “I see this affecting a small group of kids.”

As far as exceptions to this new policy, Clowes said he will look at them on a case-by-case basis. 

“There are always extenuating circumstances. If a kid is sick, that is a completely different issue.”

Clowes said the school chose a 90 percent attendance rate for the policy requirement because it’s the same requirement the state uses for its Bridge program. 

“We’re trying to give our students a positive thing to aim for. We wanted to increase our attendance rate even more,” said Clowes.

“It’s the same as sports and our drama program. If you’re too sick to come to school, you’re too sick to attend extra events as well.”