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Secaucus schools outline corrective-action plan after middle-school absenteeism tops 10% threshold
Summary
The board heard a presentation from Felicia Chhatreid showing the middle school’s chronic absenteeism at 13.4% (and the high school at about 14.3%), triggering a New Jersey requirement for a corrective action plan; the district outlined a four-part, data-driven response informed by a 266‑family survey.
Felicia Chhatreid, director of elementary education, told the Secaucus Board of Education that chronic absenteeism — defined as missing 10% or more of school days — is creating long-term barriers to student success and that the district must act.
Chhatreid said the district’s most recent data show the middle school at 13.4% chronic absenteeism and the high school at about 14.3%, both above the state’s 10% threshold that, she said, requires a corrective action plan under New Jersey law. "When a school has reached over 10% chronic absenteeism rates, the school must develop a corrective action plan," Chhatreid said.
Why it matters: chronic absenteeism is linked to lower reading levels and reduced graduation rates, Chhatreid said, and it disproportionately affects vulnerable student groups. The district is treating the issue as a districtwide priority rather than limiting action to a single building.
What the district proposed: Chhatreid summarized a four-part approach used to build the corrective action plan — proactive communication (attendance policy posted online and automated daily calls), student engagement and incentives (spirit weeks, contests, student government initiatives), systematic supports (truancy officer, guidance counselors, CST teams), and individualized problem solving for students with repeated absences. She said the plan relies on real-time monitoring and data-driven diagnostics and will be reviewed and revised annually until absenteeism falls below 10%.
Survey data: Chhatreid said 266 parents completed a district survey that informed the plan; 75.6% of respondents identified physical illness, medical appointments and family travel as primary reasons for absences; 24% reported confusion about when a sickness requires staying home. "Family travel was the most cited reason for three or more consecutive absences," she said.
Next steps: the board was informed that the corrective action plan will be implemented districtwide, tracked with existing attendance systems, and presented to the board annually until rates fall below the 10% threshold.
