RSU 18 to shift from 'truancy' to 'chronic absenteeism' reporting after quarterly data review

At the Aug. 5 meeting RSU 18 administrators presented quarterly truancy and McKinney-Vento data for FY26 and recommended shifting the board's regular report from truancy (unexcused absences only) to chronic absenteeism (which includes both excused and unexcused absences).

Board members raised concerns about higher unexcused rates at certain schools (notably China and the middle school) and suggested sharing practices from schools with lower rates. Administrators said attendance conversations at the administrative retreat focused on building relationships and early intervention, and they proposed proactive family outreach and targeted supports for chronically absent students. The superintendent and staff agreed to add chronic-absenteeism metrics to future quarterly reports and to retain truancy data as needed for state reporting.