Georgia Senate discusses Bill 123 to combat chronic school absenteeism affecting 360000 students

The Georgia Senate convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 123, aimed at addressing chronic absenteeism in public schools across the state. The meeting highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that 22.6% of students in Georgia were classified as chronically absent last year, equating to approximately 360,000 students. This figure, which spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, indicating a persistent issue that the committee is eager to tackle.

The bill proposes several key revisions to existing attendance laws. Notably, it updates the terminology from "mandatory attendance" to "compulsory attendance" and clarifies the definitions of "parent" and "guardian" to include a broader range of legal custodians. Additionally, the bill ensures that students will not be penalized for excused absences and establishes that no student can be expelled solely due to absences.

A significant focus of the discussion was the role of School Climate Committees, which were established in 2005 to address issues of morale and safety within schools. The bill mandates that these committees meet at least twice a year and introduces a new reporting requirement for the Department of Education, which will begin in 2026. This aims to reinvigorate local efforts to combat absenteeism and encourage community-based solutions.

Senators expressed their support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of keeping students in school not only for academic success but also for their overall development. Concerns were raised about the challenges faced by students who miss extended periods of school, particularly regarding their academic performance upon return.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further study the issue of absenteeism, with plans for a Senate study committee to gather more information over the summer. The bill is seen as a crucial step towards addressing a long-standing problem in Georgia's educational system, with hopes that it will lead to improved attendance rates and better educational outcomes for students statewide.