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Truancy, expulsions and measles preparedness: district reports declines and a draft response plan
Summary
Student-services staff reported a drop in students categorized as truant (345 to 207), a reduction in expulsions and suspensions year over year, and presented draft measles outbreak protocols to be finalized in January.
Student-services staff presented data showing a drop in students categorized as truant: from about 345 (last year) to 207 as of Dec. 9 for the current school year. The presenter clarified the district’s definition of 'truant' (three unexcused days or five or more absences) and said the decrease resulted from targeted school initiatives and parent engagement efforts.
Alternative-school enrollment (Newberry Alternative School/Eden) declined from 53 to 36 students, and expulsions recommended so far this year are 42 compared with 50 at the same time last year. Out-of-school suspension incidents were reported at about 410 this year versus 432 last year; presenters noted that incidents can involve multiple students and that the district has been in school more days this year than last, which affects comparisons.
On public-health preparedness, the district nurse compiled regional data showing 129 cases in the Upstate region and about 303 students quarantined as of Dec. 12. Staff presented draft protocols to address a measles outbreak with three phases: pre-planning, active response, and post-outbreak review. The district plans to share finalized protocols with administrators, teachers and the community in January and run training sessions for nurses.
Board members asked if the district has access to individual vaccination data; presenters said the nurse has made extensive inquiries but did not provide specific immunization records in the public meeting. Members emphasized the importance of preparedness and asked for continued updates.
