Regional Office of Education cites summer truancy gains; federal grant extension later terminated

The Regional Office of Education introduced Dr. Amy Smith as the new assistant regional superintendent and summarized program activity, including literacy work and school-safety grant activity. Officials reported a literacy summit with about 125 participants and said a truancy grant application decision is expected in September or October. Kara, the truancy-program lead, reported end-of-year results: 56% of students referred showed an increase or no decrease in attendance from pre- to post-referral, and 572 students exited the program after reaching an 80% attendance standard over four two-week cycles. Kara described summer programming that used ROE transportation to pick up students daily and provided enrichment, team building, robotics and field trips. The ROE also discussed grant funding disruptions. Staff said they had secured a short no-cost extension on a federal school-safety grant to continue services, but that extension was terminated effective immediately last week. The ROE said it had kept staff on using remaining grant funds and other sources but acknowledged the risk of entering a deficit-spending situation if funding lapses continue. Board members asked about second-year adjustments; staff said they continuously evaluate caseloads and program design and would report back on planned changes.