Changes related to student attendance policies, wardrobe, and some mandated by the state are included in what will ultimately be revamped student handbooks in the Galesburg School District come the fall.

District-205 Human Resources Director Diane VanHootegem updated the Board of Education on those changes Monday night, which include the new requirement that students entering Kindergarten get an eye exam by October 15th, along with vaccinations they must have as well.

VanHootegem says the new policies also better define student absences and how they're called in.  She says parents have 48 hours to explain why their child was absent.  Van Hootegem says, however, every attempt will be made to get a hold of parents by nine a-m the day of the absence to find out why a student wasn't in school.

The policy changes also better define allowing students to use headwear, either for medical or religious purposes, but VanHootegem says there is no specific type of headwear listed because she says they should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Galesburg School Board members Monday night approved, among some items, the transfer of Wes Olson from being a Galesburg High School instructor, to the new head of the district's alternative programs, including the newly revamped alternative school that is being organized.