Committee advances resolution aimed at addressing chronic absenteeism

The Student Experience and Engagement Committee on March 11 voted unanimously to advance SR26‑4, a resolution intended to strengthen coordination of data and supports to reduce chronic absenteeism across District schools.

Representative Goule, who introduced the resolution with Dr. Flesher, told members he had attended the State of DC Schools event and pointed to a full report available online. Quoting research presented there, he said, "The chronic absenteeism rate once we hit ninth grade is astounding," a warning he used to press for a system that preserves information and support plans as students move between DCPS and charter schools.

Members praised the resolution’s focus on continuity of services. One committee member said the measure helps ensure a student’s needs follow them when they transfer, rather than requiring them to "start over" at a new school. That continuity, members said, would make interventions and supports more effective.

The committee then voted. The student representative (Representative Chamberlain) and two committee members (Representatives Goule and Coulson) each vocalized "I," and SR26‑4 was unanimously voted out of committee to the full board for further consideration.

SR26‑4 will now be scheduled for the full board, where members can debate and amend the resolution before any formal adoption. Committee staff and members said they will use the resolution to request additional information from DME/AIE and other stakeholders to sharpen the policy’s operational details.