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Governor Healy, Mayor Wu and state education officials honor O'Donnell Elementary for sharp drop in absenteeism
Summary
State and city leaders visited O'Donnell Elementary in East Boston to recognize the school for one of the largest declines in chronic absenteeism in Massachusetts, present a legislative citation and accept a commemorative Boston Celtics basketball.
O'Donnell Elementary in East Boston was recognized Monday by Governor Maura Healy, Mayor Michelle Wu and state education leaders for a dramatic reduction in chronic absenteeism.
The governor told students and staff that O'Donnell was one of 10 schools statewide singled out for the largest improvements in attendance. "Your presence is powerful," she said, praising teachers, families and school staff for creating an environment that makes children want to come to class.
State figures cited at the event said chronic absenteeism in Massachusetts fell by about 5 percentage points from March 2023 to March of this year and by about 10 percentage points since March 2022. Officials said O'Donnell's absenteeism rate fell by nearly 19 percentage points, a local improvement officials highlighted as a model for other schools.
Secretary of Education Pat Tottweiler led a short cheer with students and said the school community reduced chronic absenteeism by roughly 18 percentage points, while noting that attendance statewide remains higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. "We are so incredibly proud of you for reducing chronic absenteeism by 18 percentage points," he said.
Principal Emily Sproviero recounted that the school’s chronic absenteeism once reached roughly 51% during the pandemic, and credited sustained outreach — including texts, phone calls and family engagement led by a family liaison named Claudia — for the turnaround. "We turned it around," she said, thanking families, teachers and staff.
Representative Adrian Madero and Senator Lydia Edwards presented a citation from the Massachusetts Legislature recognizing the school's achievement. Officials also accepted a gold-colored basketball signed by the Boston Celtics and noted that elected leaders had secured a new playground for the school; funding details for the playground were not specified.
The officials invited on-topic questions; none are recorded in the transcript, and the event concluded with a group photo and brief closing remarks.
No formal votes or policy decisions were taken at the event; it was a ceremonial recognition and celebration of improved attendance.
