Committee asks administration to report on grade-advancement policy tied to chronic absenteeism

The Lowell School Committee voted Sept. 17 to request that the administration provide the district's policy on student advancement for grades 1 through 8 with a focus on chronic absenteeism thresholds of 10%, 20% and 30% and how those levels correlate with academic work completion and grade advancement.

The motion was introduced by School Committee member Bahu and seconded by School Committee member Lay. Bahu said chronic absenteeism is a major concern and that advancing students who have not met academic expectations due to absenteeism risks setting them up to fail.

"Chronic absenteeism is a major issue," Bahu said, asking for a report that would allow the curriculum subcommittee to review possible policy responses and create clearer guidance on advancement decisions. Committee members noted that state guidance and federal accountability can affect local decisions about retention and promotion; the administration said it would prepare a report for committee and possibly refer the matter for deeper subcommittee review.

The motion passed; administration will prepare the requested policy review and data to inform future committee discussion.