Ohio student with too many absences gets reprieve

CARROLLTON, Ohio (AP) — Schools officials in northeast Ohio have changed course and will allow a high school senior to participate in graduation ceremonies despite his excessive unexcused absences while his mother had cancer.

Carrollton administrators say they made their decision after receiving new information about Austin Fisher’s absences. He had enough credits and good grades but 16 unexcused absences in violation of school rules.

His case attracted a lot of attention, including 32,000 Facebook friends. Silent supporters at Tuesday’s school board meeting carried signs urging officials to let Fisher also attend the prom.

The Times-Reporter in New Philadelphia says another senior asked to participate in graduation ceremonies because her missed classes were belatedly explained by a parent who had been in a car accident. No action was taken.