Danbury Public Schools updates attendance policy to address absenteeism

The Danbury School District's Policy Committee meeting on February 5, 2025, focused heavily on updating attendance and truancy policies, a critical issue as the district aims to improve student attendance rates post-pandemic. The committee discussed the need for clarity in policy language, specifically correcting a document error that misidentified the policy as "attendance and truancy" instead of the more accurate "attendance and excuses."

Committee members emphasized the importance of defining what constitutes chronic absenteeism and the expectations for students and parents regarding school attendance. The updated policy outlines that parents must notify the school for the first ten absences, which can be excused for reasons such as illness or family emergencies. After ten absences, parents are required to provide documentation for any further absences, which could include medical appointments or extraordinary educational opportunities.

The district's chronic absenteeism rate currently hovers between 13% and 15%, a significant improvement from the peak of over 20% during the height of COVID-19. The committee expressed a goal to reduce this rate to below 10%, a benchmark the district achieved prior to the pandemic.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the needs of homeless students under the McKinney-Vento Act, which aims to eliminate barriers to education for this vulnerable population. The district has made strides in identifying and supporting these students, with over 100 currently enrolled, and is committed to ensuring they have access to necessary resources, including health services.

The committee also discussed the inclusion of mental health days in the attendance policy, allowing students to take days off for mental health without excessive documentation. This change reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in education.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving attendance and supporting all students, particularly those facing challenges, as they work towards a more inclusive and effective educational environment.