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Officials propose a community‑based, non‑punitive approach to chronic absenteeism
Summary
Cincinnati Public Schools and City Council members discussed a truancy plan focused on supportive, cross‑agency intervention for students missing at least 10% of school hours; CPS described existing home visits, social workers and wraparound services and asked for a new layer of identification and supports for high‑need students.
Cincinnati Public Schools and city leaders discussed a collaborative, non‑punitive strategy to address chronic absenteeism and truancy at a joint Healthy Neighborhoods Committee meeting.
Vice President Eve Bolton framed truancy as part of a broader attendance challenge, noting the state of Ohio defines chronic absenteeism as missing at least 10% of required school hours. ‘‘This has to be a positive, proactive, supportive plan to concentrate on those students and those families,’’ Bolton said, urging a community‑led response rather than punitive enforcement.
CPS officials described current interventions: social workers who do home visits, school nurses, targeted meetings with students who miss substantial time, and wraparound supports for families experiencing housing instability or foster‑care involvement. Deputy Superintendent Alicia Smith said these layers help many students return to school but acknowledged there remains a cohort with complex barriers that needs an additional level of outreach and partnership with county services.
Board and council members discussed possible roles for family services, courts and community groups, emphasizing non‑criminal, supportive responses. Board member Jim Crossett and others emphasized using data to distinguish students who are medically fragile or have excused absences from those with ongoing truancy, and suggested coordinating with parent networks to reach families.
The committee asked CPS to clarify existing steps and to return with proposals for a targeted, positive program that could include city and county partners. No formal action was taken; officials said the plan would remain a collaborative effort requiring follow‑up and data reporting at a later meeting.
