Parent urges softer tardy penalties as Springfield SD 186 faces high chronic absenteeism rates

A Springfield parent told the Board of Education on April 21 that the district’s tardy and discipline practices are contributing to high chronic absenteeism and urged the board to adopt policies that encourage students to attend even if late.

Jessica Handy, speaking during public comment, said she has been connected to Springfield Public Schools since 1987 and currently is a foster parent of a Springfield High freshman. Handy recounted an exchange in which her foster daughter chose to stay home rather than face escalating consequences for repeated tardies, and said the district’s chronic-absence rate is 42% overall and 52% among ninth graders. She cited statewide chronic-absence at 26% and noted that ninth-grade on-track rates are lower in the district (67% versus 88% statewide), asking the board to consider changing policies so tardy students are welcomed and not automatically penalized.

Board members acknowledged the concern and said the district has been reviewing chronic absenteeism. The superintendent and other board members said principals and staff have been discussing the issue and that a handbook review is underway; one board member noted a recent handbook meeting led by a staff member named Jason and said updates would be brought forward for board approval.

Board members emphasized the role of relationships between students and adults in improving attendance and noted that some families do not know their students' attendance status. The board did not make an immediate policy change at the meeting but described the conversation as timely and ongoing.

The parent’s full public-comment remarks were made on the record; board leadership asked staff to continue reviewing attendance policies and share recommended changes in a future meeting.