Board hears how House Bill 96 changes chronic absenteeism reporting; district to notify families at 5% absences

Superintendent Severs briefed the board on changes to attendance reporting under House Bill 96, telling members that the law now counts any absence, tardy or early dismissal toward chronic absenteeism. He said the district will notify families when a student reaches 5% of the school year in absences and will report chronic absenteeism at 10%.

Severs clarified that the change affects report-card reporting but does not change the statutory definition for habitually truant cases that trigger court or intervention involvement. "House Bill 96 was the attendance change and going forward chronically absent means for any reason," Severs said. Board members discussed sending explanatory communications to families and possible earlier warning thresholds.