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Seaside Middle reports 20‑point drop in chronic absenteeism, sets 90% attendance goal
Summary
Seaside Middle School officials told the board that chronic absenteeism has fallen roughly 20 percentage points to about 37% this year; school leaders outlined tiered supports, family incentives and business partnerships aimed at further gains.
Seaside Middle School leaders told the Seaside SD 10 board that chronic absenteeism has fallen substantially this school year and outlined programs aimed at keeping students in class.
"So as of right now, about 37 percent of our students are chronically absent," Shelby Gagnon, Seaside Middle's student‑support TOSA, said during the presentation. The school reported 335 students enrolled and described a roughly 20 percentage‑point year‑on‑year drop in the chronic‑absence rate, which school staff called "positive" but still a concern.
Administrators said the school uses a three‑tier intervention system: universal supports for all students, targeted outreach for those at risk (90–89% attendance), and individualized plans for students with critical attendance (below 80%). The board heard about specific tactics — monthly attendance progress reports included with academic progress reports, student incentives tied to local business coupons, and classroom rewards — that school staff attribute to the improvement.
Board members praised the work and urged the district to preserve momentum during the upcoming budget process. The superintendent and board asked principals to identify priorities as districtwide reduction planning begins.
