Watchung board hears corrective-action plan aimed at chronic absenteeism; district to focus on tier‑one supports

The Watchung Borough School District Board of Education on June 18 reviewed a state‑required corrective action plan (CAP) focused on reducing chronic absenteeism, with administrators emphasizing prevention‑level strategies and improved family communications.

Superintendent Dr. Julie Glazer and district staff presented findings from a recent parent “thought‑exchange” survey and explained the CAP responds to state guidance requiring districts above the chronic‑absence threshold. Erin, the staff member presenting the slide deck, said the parent survey produced 248 responses and that participation was “spread across both of our schools fairly evenly.” The presenters said the district expanded the survey to include pre‑K through eighth grade to gather broader input beyond the state’s K–4 requirement.

Why it matters: chronic absenteeism affects instructional continuity and can trigger tiered interventions under New Jersey rules. The district’s CAP aims to satisfy compliance for older data (2023–24) while using survey feedback to guide immediate, universal (tier‑one) supports; administrators said a revised plan using 2024–25 data will be developed in the fall.

What the plan recommends: administrators outlined a three‑tier model. For the current CAP the district will focus on tier‑one universal supports such as concise, consistent communication (handbooks and portal posting), clarifying start times and tardy procedures, reinforcing morning meetings and welcoming routines, and using automated calls/letters from the Genesis system to flag attendance concerns. The presenters stressed that tier‑two (mentoring, expanded‑learning opportunities, restorative strategies) and tier‑three responses (individualized plans, interagency case management, truancy referrals) will be added later as required by newer data.

Discussion highlights: board members and principals debated the source of many absences and communication tradeoffs. Presenters said about 90% of absences reported in the survey were related to student illness, with vacations/travel and extracurricular activities also contributing to cumulative totals. The board acknowledged tensions in parent feedback—some respondents want more proactive reminders (email or text) and FAQ‑style guidance, while others said they do not want additional messaging. One trustee, Jen, asked whether post‑COVID health caution has changed absence patterns and urged clearer messages about when absences trigger state consequences; Jen said she had removed a prior attendance award because “attendance is an expectation” rather than an exceptional act.

Implementation and next steps: presenters said they will review the current CAP and the survey comments over the summer, update communication materials and procedures (including Genesis and pickup‑patrol instructions), and return in September with a revised plan that incorporates the state’s newer data. Dr. Glazer emphasized the statutory nature of the CAP and that the district is proceeding to meet compliance while building on practices already in place.

Board action: as part of a bundled administrative motion later in the meeting, trustees voted to accept and approve the Bayberry corrective action plan for attendance. The motion was moved by Fatima and approved by roll call (yes: Mr. Desaniano; Mrs. Maddox; Mrs. Santos; Mr. Tricka; Mrs. Harvey; Mrs. Amado; Mrs. Aglaro; absent: Mr. Craft; Mrs. Marcellus).

What remains open: presenters and board members noted the CAP is based on lagging state data and that a stronger corrective plan will be assembled using 2024–25 results; staff committed to returning with more current metrics and any recommended tier‑two/tier‑three interventions.