Superintendent warns district absenteeism is above state average; two schools face corrective-action plans

The Little Egg Harbor Township superintendent reported that chronic absenteeism in the district is higher than the New Jersey average and outlined strategies the district will use to reduce missed school days.

Doctor Antunes said chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year — about 18 days — for any reason and warned that early absenteeism predicts later academic difficulties. "What chronic absenteeism translates to is a student being absent from school for 10% of the school year, which is 18 days," Doctor Antunes said, adding that prolonged absenteeism is linked to lower reading levels and higher dropout risk.

The superintendent noted that statewide absenteeism has declined from about 16% to 14% but that the district remains above the state average; two schools (identified in the presentation) will require corrective action plans. Causes were divided into three groups — students who cannot attend (illness, housing instability, family obligations), students who will not attend (safety concerns, bullying), and students who do not attend because families do not prioritize school — and Doctor Antunes urged tailored responses for each.

Proposed steps include improved tracking and measurement of absences, targeted outreach to families to identify barriers, partnerships with community groups (PTOs, local service clubs) for incentives and supports, and local corrective action plans at the affected schools. The superintendent said the district will present additional data and follow-up presentations during the school year.