Agency of Education says H930 changes on absenteeism are appropriate; cautions on definitions

Courtney O'Brien told the committee she and the Agency of Education were "very pleased where [H930] has landed," saying the bill’s placement of excused-absence authority with the agency — rather than a fixed statutory list — allows more responsive, updatable policy.

O'Brien said the bill includes a useful provision to review the model policy every three years and cautioned the committee about definitional choices. She noted there had been debate over whether to define chronic absenteeism as 10 percent of missed school days or a fixed number of unexcused days (for example, 20 days) and urged lawmakers to keep distinct definitions for truancy and chronic absenteeism.

The agency welcomed the bill’s approach because it allows the state to respond to evolving causes of absenteeism and to refine policy with stakeholder input; O'Brien said the agency had suggested moving more detailed study of some related issues, such as home-study hearings, into a comprehensive review to avoid piecemeal changes.

No formal action on H930 was taken at the May 12 hearing; AOE’s comments were recorded for the committee’s consideration as it continues testimony this week.