Board reviews attendance report and asks for court-referral outcomes for chronically absent students
Summary
The board reviewed October–November attendance data, learned White House Heritage High led attendance, and discussed interventions for chronically absent students; a board member asked staff to track how many cases are referred to juvenile court and what outcomes are achieved.
The Robertson County School Board spent significant time on Dec. 8 reviewing attendance figures and the district’s interventions for chronic absenteeism.
Dr. Weeks summarized October and November attendance and noted White House Heritage High reported attendance near 98.5–98.6 percent. He said the district uses a three-tiered intervention: a letter at three unexcused days, a required meeting with school staff at five days, and a formal plan at 10 days; after those interventions fail, student names are forwarded to the district office and may be referred to juvenile court.
A board member asked how many students had exceeded 20 absences; the transcript records a figure of 94 students with more than 20 absences. That member also asked for data on how many cases have been turned over to the courts and the results, saying “I think it'd be very interesting to see those numbers as time goes on.” Dr. Weeks agreed to provide follow-up information.
Board discussion touched on causes (legitimate excused absences, health and societal factors since COVID, family expectations) and on school-level patterns, with members asking whether chronic absence was concentrated in particular neighborhoods or widespread. Dr. Weeks said principals will review targeted interventions during midyear planning and that social workers and counselors are focusing on home visits and family engagement.
The board requested more detailed reporting on court referrals and outcomes so the public can see whether cases referred after school interventions produce change.
