The Contoocook Valley School District Board has approved a research study aimed at addressing student absenteeism, a decision that promises to enhance understanding of this pressing issue within the school community. During the April 15, 2025, meeting, the board greenlit a request from a substitute teacher and Franklin Pierce University graduate student to conduct a survey among staff members.

The research, which aligns with district policy on educational research, seeks to explore the effectiveness of various methods for combating absenteeism and the role that teacher experience plays in these efforts. The researcher has already secured approval from the principal at the school and has submitted necessary documentation, including informed consent forms and a review of the survey questionnaire, to the superintendent.

The study will involve voluntary participation from staff, who will be asked about their experiences with student absenteeism and the strategies they have implemented to address it. Importantly, all responses will remain anonymous, ensuring that participants can share their insights freely.

The board's unanimous approval reflects a commitment to tackling absenteeism, which can significantly impact student learning and school performance. As the researcher prepares to launch the study, the findings are anticipated to provide valuable insights that could inform future strategies and policies aimed at improving student attendance.