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House committee outlines statewide model to prevent chronic absenteeism, sets timelines for rollout
Summary
The House Healthcare Committee reported H930, directing the Agency of Education to produce a model prevention policy and templates and requiring school districts to adopt policies by July 1, 2028; the bill clarifies definitions, reporting and notification steps for chronic absenteeism.
The House heard an extended committee report on H930, a bill aimed at addressing chronic absenteeism in Vermont schools by standardizing definitions and requiring state and local action.
Member from Manchester (reporting for committee) said the bill creates consistent definitions for absence-related terms, requires the Agency of Education (AOE) to develop a model prevention and truancy policy with templates, and mandates reporting and adoption timelines. The AOE must submit a written update on progress by March 15, 2027, publish the model policy by July 1, 2027, and school boards and approved independent schools must adopt and implement policies by July 1, 2028.
The presenter summarized statutory changes to compulsory-attendance language, created clearer definitions for excused/unexcused absences, required notification to truant officers and DCF when a student accrues 20 or more unexcused absences in 175 days, and preserved existing enforcement options including misdemeanor penalties for parents who fail to cause a child to attend where applicable.
Members asked clarifying questions about how approved independent schools and heads of school fit into the attendance exceptions and whether hazing, harassment, and bullying are included as excused reasons; the committee said local boards retain discretion and the AOE intends a restorative, not purely punitive, approach. The bill was advanced with a favorable committee report.
