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Committee approves study on chronic absenteeism after senators cite 21.7% statewide rate
Summary
The committee approved a resolution to form a study group to examine chronic absenteeism after members cited state data showing roughly 21.7% of Georgia students were chronically absent last year (about 360,000 students). The measure passed by voice vote.
A committee resolution to establish a summer study on chronic absenteeism passed after senators told the panel the problem is widespread and will take time to investigate. A sponsor told members the resolution would create a study committee to examine causes and potential solutions and to evaluate whether the current "school climate" model is the appropriate vehicle for that work.
The presenting member summarized state absenteeism figures: "Yes, sir. Equals 360,000 children in Georgia last school year that were chronically absent, meaning 10 percent or more of days were missed," the presenter said, noting that 10% of a 180-day school year equals 18 days missed. Committee members suggested the study look at local programs and counties with lower rates to identify successful practices.
Senators also cited a recent local enforcement example — arrests for truancy in Bullock County — as a prompt for the additional study. The resolution (Senate Resolution 217, LC 610130) passed after a motion and a bipartisan second; the committee approved the resolution by voice vote in the meeting record.
Why it matters: Committee members said chronic absenteeism affects student learning and that the state should examine root causes, promising to carry out work over the summer rather than expecting immediate solutions.
Next steps: The resolution creates a study committee to report back and to recommend whether the absenteeism work should remain under the current school-climate committee or use another model. No deadlines or required reports were stated on the committee record.
