Rates of truancy and chronic absenteeism are on the upswing in Warren County Schools and in the United States as a whole. The rates of chronic absenteeism have doubled since 2020 coinciding with the pandemic and its aftermath.
Last year alone in Warren County, 1,325 students missed more than 10 percent of school. That is called chronic absenteeism. With approximately 6,500 students in Warren County’s schools, that comes to 21 percent of all students. Ten percent of school would mean 18 days in Warren County where 180 days comprises an academic school year.
For any reason, excused or not, once the total number of absences goes beyond 10 percent, parents and legal caretakers can be criminally charged. If a student misses two days a month every month of the school year, that’s 10 percent of the year.
Truancy, on the other hand, is defined as five unexcused absences. Once this happens, the school sends a letter and a series of progressive interventions ensues. If the problem persists, things can turn punitive and criminal charges can come into the equation.
General Sessions Judge Ryan J. Moore is working hard along with other community leaders to deal with the increase in absences.
“Truancy is a problem in Warren County. We are having truancy board every month and parents are being charged with failure to keep minor children in school,” said Judge Moore. “It is a class C misdemeanor and each charge/count is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a $50 fine, plus court costs.”
Warren County Director of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows knows all too well the hardships excessive student absences present to beleaguered schools. He says they are working hard to understand chronic absenteeism with the school community. “We have seen a rise over the last few years. First of all, we need to understand the importance of students being in school every day. Secondly, our schools are held accountable for students that miss more than 10 percent of the school year.”
So far this year, high school grades 9-12 are the most affected by chronic absenteeism, followed by the early grades K-2. The middle-school years boast the highest levels of attendance.
Warren County Schools Director of Attendance Jeffrey Martin wants parents to prioritize attendance and help him and school staff keep kids in schools. His overall message to parents and guardians of school-age students is to “Please send your child to school. Of course don’t send your child to school when they’re sick. Sick is sick. In any other case, send them to school.”
Martin emphasizes communication between parents and schools. “If you have problems and issues with your children, particularly older children, let the schools know. Keep us informed. We have solutions and progressive interventions to help.”
COVID-19 opened up virtual and online schooling and alternate routes to education. It may have profoundly changed the way students and their families view school attendance.
Why are so many students missing school more than ever before? Health, or the lack of it, is the first reason. Mental and emotional health are part of the picture as well. For example, factors like unsafe school conditions, bullying, housing instability, substance abuse and delinquency affect a student’s attendance. And all of these have risen sharply in recent years.
Public schools earn more money with higher attendance. It affects their coffers and, learning aside, this is a big budgetary concern. Funding is cut when kids aren’t in school.
Bottom line, until a different solution is found, parents should stay aware of attendance and make it a priority. Communication with teachers and the school office is critical. It can make all the difference if things turn chronic and the legal system is forced to become involved.
