Board hears summary of 2024 truancy-law changes and potential effects on enforcement

Unnamed Speaker 3 briefed the board on legislative changes enacted in 2024 that alter how districts can enforce truancy and provide options for students who are open-enrolled in other districts. "In the 2024 legislative changes to the ... laws, then your overall system changes related to a school district's ability to enforce truancy," Unnamed Speaker 3 said.

Board members raised questions about how the new rules change intervention thresholds and the district’s administrative responsibilities. Unnamed Speaker 1 referenced attendance thresholds in the discussion, saying that an "89 percent is considered chronic" and citing a separate 20% level that the board uses to categorize different absence levels.

Speakers agreed staff should prepare clear guidance for the board and families detailing how the law changes will affect enforcement and what actions the district can take. No formal policy action or vote was taken; the item was presented for information and to inform future decisions.

The board requested additional clarification from staff on how the changes will be implemented and what notifications families should expect.