The New Jersey Joint Committee on the Public Schools convened on March 11, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding chronic absenteeism in schools, with a focus on innovative strategies to enhance student engagement and attendance.

Superintendent James Earl of the Trenton Public School District highlighted the importance of addressing absenteeism by first focusing on adult attendance. He emphasized that teachers' presence in schools significantly influences student attendance, stating, "Kids mimic what they see." Earl's approach includes monitoring staff attendance and fostering a culture where adults prioritize being present, which he believes will encourage students to follow suit.

Earl also shared insights from recent surveys revealing that health-related issues, rather than transportation or safety concerns, are the primary reasons for student absenteeism. He noted that when a family member is unwell, it often leads to children missing school. To combat this, the district has initiated programs like ParentConnect to educate families about the impacts of chronic absenteeism and has implemented courtesy busing to assist students who may not meet transportation thresholds.

In addition to these measures, the district has partnered with community organizations to enhance school safety and support. Street teams have been deployed to assist students on their way to school, contributing to a noticeable decrease in violence and vandalism around school areas. Earl also mentioned the establishment of an attendance team that engages directly with families to understand the root causes of absenteeism, which has proven effective in gathering accurate data and addressing individual needs.

The meeting underscored the collaborative effort required to tackle chronic absenteeism, with a strong emphasis on community involvement. Earl called for community members to report when they notice children not attending school, reinforcing the idea that improving attendance is a collective responsibility.

As the district continues to implement these strategies, the focus remains on creating a supportive environment that encourages both students and staff to prioritize attendance, ultimately aiming to improve educational outcomes across New Jersey schools.