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Middletown youth present data on health gaps and school absenteeism to council
Summary
Students with the Middletown Connects program presented five neighborhood data points, including that nine of 16 census tracts showed substantially lower life expectancy and high rates of chronic absenteeism; students urged more adult supports, better access to services, and targeted interventions.
Jaylen Marshall and a team of Middletown High School students presented findings from a youth‑led ‘DataWall’ to the City Council, highlighting disparities in health and education across the city’s 16 census tracts. “Nine of our 16 census tracts have about 12.5 years less life expectancy than others,” Marshall said, and students pointed to chronic absenteeism, substance access, weak connections to supportive adults, and barriers to physical activity as contributing factors.
Students gave specific examples: one presenter said an elementary school (Rosa Parks) showed roughly 52% chronic absenteeism in the group’s analysis, and high school chronic absenteeism was cited near 50%. Presenters suggested practical steps, including expanding programs like Hope Squad into elementary grades, reducing youth access to substances near schools, reviewing school start times, and improving walkability and transportation options.
Councilmembers thanked the students and noted the youth had also spoken directly with younger children to gather feedback. City staff did not present a formal policy response at the meeting but acknowledged the data and indicated it could inform future outreach and equity work.
The presentation was framed as community‑driven research to inform public health, education, and planning efforts; students asked to be included as stakeholders in solutions.
