Auburn principals credit outreach, interventions as absenteeism falls and test scores rise

AUBURN, Maine — The Auburn School Committee on Feb. 4 heard its annual "State of the Schools" presentation, in which principals and district leaders highlighted a fall in chronic absenteeism and improved fall assessment scores across the district.

Superintendent Sue Doris told the committee that districtwide chronic absenteeism dropped from 25% to 20% this year and that fall assessment proficiencies rose to 84% in both reading and math. "We've seen gains in literacy and math across subgroups," Doris said, noting specific improvements for economically disadvantaged students, multilingual learners (MLL) and students in special education.

Principals outlined local efforts they say produced the results. Sherwood Heights' presenter, Mr. Davis, said the school's chronic absenteeism rate fell from 15% to 10% and credited a schoolwide behavior incentive program and stronger family engagement for the change. "This allows every student to be recognized for their behavior," he said, describing incentives and PBIS‑style supports that both reduced behavior incidents and improved attendance.

At Park Avenue, which houses the majority of the district's MLL students, presenters said NAWEA scores show 79% literacy proficiency and 74% in math, and that the Reach My Teach communication platform has reduced barriers for families. "We've been able to have those conversations, especially with families that don't have English as their first language," the presenter said.

Edward Little High School reported a 6‑point drop in chronic absenteeism and broad gains in AP participation and graduation outcomes. Principal Belle Ackley said the school posted a 97.4% graduation rate and has expanded concurrent dual‑enrollment offerings with partner colleges.

Other highlights presented to the committee included: - East Auburn posted a chronic absenteeism decrease from 17% to 12% and large gains for special‑education students (reading 64%→83%, math 55%→75%). - Auburn Middle School reported 82% reading and 84% math proficiency, and large percentage increases for MLL and special‑education cohorts after implementing Read 180 and Math 180 supports. - Franklin, the district's alternative and attendance‑based program, reported a 100% graduation rate last year and uses a grant‑funded SPARK exercise program intended to boost academic progress and attendance.

When board members asked whether recent ICE activity in the community had affected attendance, Park Avenue staff confirmed that some families kept children home out of concern but said teachers used remote packets and Reach My Teach messaging to re‑engage those students.

Doris told the committee the district attributes the overall gains to targeted professional development, consistent use of research‑based programs (including Read 180, Math 180 and SPIRE) and increased use of local NWEA MAP Growth data to respond quickly to student needs. "Teachers have improved their strategies, and we've increased the use of evidence‑based interventions," she said.

The presentation ended with administrators noting expanded career and technical education programming, grant‑funded initiatives and the district's new performing arts center as additional supports for student engagement. The committee did not take action on the presentation; it served as an informational overview ahead of upcoming budget deliberations.