Salem schools report fewer absences and tardies, tighten device enforcement and roll out SmartPass

Deans and administrators updated the Salem School Board on May 20 about changes to attendance, tardy and electronic‑device procedures at Salem High School and Woodbury School, and described a mid‑year rollout of an electronic hall‑pass system called SmartPass.

Why it matters: School leaders said the changes aim to reduce classroom interruptions, identify students who need extra support sooner, and limit misconduct tied to personal devices. Administrators reported measurable declines in absences and tardies through mid‑May and described enforcement steps and new tracking tools.

Attendance and tardies: Stephanie Nichols, a dean of students at Salem High School, said the district revised attendance procedures this year to allow parents five parent‑excused absences without documentation; after five such absences, staff now expect documentation (doctor, court, hospital) for further excused absences. Nichols emphasized that an unexcused code primarily triggers outreach rather than automatic disciplinary penalties, and noted teams use those flags to connect families with supports.

Administrators reported comparative year‑to‑date figures: Salem High…