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District reports high chronic‑absence rates, corrects reporting process and outlines outreach plan
Summary
Curriculum director Mark Russo and interim superintendent Phelps told the board that chronic absenteeism is elevated, with seniors disproportionately represented; the district found it had been over‑reporting daily absences to the state, adjusted coding procedures and outlined outreach steps including automated notices, home visits and climate‑team follow‑up.
Board members heard a data review on chronic absenteeism that the administration described as both concerning and actionable.
Mark Russo explained the state reporting definition: a student is chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of school days for reporting purposes, and that a student present for less than half the instructional day is marked absent for that day. "Chronic absenteeism for state reporting purposes... is a student missing 10% or more of school days," Russo said, and he presented the district's 2024–25 figures showing elevated rates.
Key findings: the district reported that at Pascack…
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