Committee backs task force to address chronic absenteeism, community groups outline wraparound solutions
Summary
S‑3776 would create a chronic absenteeism task force to identify best practices and funding approaches; community foundations and employer groups urged data sharing, regional collaboration and wraparound supports to help reengage students.
Senators Turner and McKnight sponsored S‑3776 to establish a chronic absenteeism task force charged with identifying effective interventions and issuing a final report within six months of organization. Philanthropic and employer representatives testified that chronic absenteeism often stems from transportation, housing, food insecurity and health factors and recommended community‑school partnerships and regional collaboration.
Matthew Nellison and Nelita Valentin of the Princeton Area Community Foundation described the organization’s All Kids Thrive initiative and said cross‑district collaboration, community partnerships and sustained funding can improve attendance outcomes. Amira Hussain of the New Jersey Chamber said the Jobs for America’s Graduates program has a proven track record reducing chronic absenteeism and requested representation on the proposed task force.
Committee members emphasized urgency: Senator Turner said the bill would not only study absenteeism but be proactive in recommending scalable interventions. The committee voted to release S‑3776 with committee amendments to update membership and a six‑month report deadline.
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