In a recent Board of Education meeting held by the Hastings-on-Hudson Central School District (HPCSD), educators and administrators gathered to discuss significant strides in improving student attendance and academic performance. The atmosphere was charged with optimism as they shared updates on initiatives aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism and enhancing educational outcomes.

Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing more than 10% of the school year—approximately 18 days—has been a pressing concern for schools nationwide, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The district reported a notable decrease in its chronic absenteeism rate, dropping from a staggering 25% during the pandemic to 14.5% last year, marking an impressive 11.1% reduction. As of December 12, the current rate stands at 13.1%. This progress is attributed to a four-year commitment to fostering instructional equity and building relational capacity within classrooms, creating welcoming environments for students.

The meeting highlighted the success of Havelin Middle School, which had previously been designated as a school needing improvement. After a challenging period exacerbated by the pandemic, the school has made significant progress, moving from needing targeted support for three subgroups to just one. The school is now recognized as a local support and improvement school, reflecting its ongoing commitment to enhancement and growth.

Academic performance data shared during the meeting showcased encouraging trends in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. For instance, sixth graders achieved a proficiency rate of 41%, closely approaching the state average of 44%. Similar growth was observed in seventh and eighth grades, with year-over-year increases of 5 to 7% in ELA and even higher gains in math, with some grades seeing growth rates of 12 to 13%. Notably, all students enrolled in advanced algebra achieved mastery, underscoring the effectiveness of the district's educational strategies.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of determination among educators was palpable. They expressed a collective commitment to continue their efforts in improving attendance and academic performance, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. The journey ahead remains focused on building upon these successes, fostering an environment where students feel supported and engaged in their learning.