House Education advances draft chronic‑absenteeism bill; AOE to draft model policy and templates

The House Education Committee met Feb. 24 to continue review of a committee bill that would create new statutory definitions and a model policy for chronic absenteeism and truancy.

Oliver Olson, testifying on behalf of the Vermont Independent Schools Association, told the committee the draft definition of "absence" — a student "who for at least half a school day when the school is open, not physically on school grounds, or who is not receiving educational services or programming elsewhere pursuant to a program or plan approved by the district" — needs two technical fixes to work for independent schools and public districts alike. Olson urged replacing the phrase "approved by the district" with language that recognizes an independent school can approve programming for its enrolled students and suggested broadening "educational services" to explicitly include co‑curricular and athletic programming so routine activities such as away games or class trips are captured as intended.

The committee also debated scope and drafting choices. Members voiced concern about long enumerations in statute; Representative Long and other members cautioned that examples can be helpful but risk unintentionally constraining administration. Members asked that drafting clarify whether the bill applies only to Vermont resident students, noting…