District official emphasizes chronic absenteeism’s effect on school ratings and community; coalition to focus on juvenile justice in September

James Harden of Champaign Unit 4 Schools told the Community Coalition that chronic absenteeism meaningfully reduces school report‑card scores and that attendance is a community responsibility. Harden said missing 10 days of school qualifies a student as chronically absent and that chronic absenteeism accounts for 20% of a school’s Illinois State Board of Education report‑card calculation; he added that English and math proficiency together are worth 15% and growth is worth 25% of the score. “If more students showed up, these scores would be higher,” Harden said. Why it matters: Harden tied attendance to both student outcomes and broader community effects, including property values and long‑term economic opportunity. He told the coalition that last year Unit 4 ended the year at about 90% average daily attendance and that with 10,500 enrolled students, “any given day, there are a thousand kids not in school.” Planned follow‑up and juvenile‑justice focus: meeting facilitator Tracy Parsons announced that the coalition’s September meeting will focus on juvenile justice — solutions for youth not in school — and that community leaders including faith and school partners will be asked to attend. Harden said the district is open to community partnerships, internships and volunteer support to improve attendance and engagement. Call to action: Harden urged coalition members to help shape a welcoming school climate and to support messages that encourage “every student, every day, no exceptions.”