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Eden reports 17% drop in absences compared with last year; one chronically absent student remains
Summary
Principal Jeff Cervone told the board overall absences dropped from 773 to 636 year‑to‑date (a 17% decrease); district attendance is roughly 96% for grades 6–12, though one student remains chronically absent (18+ days).
Principal Jeff Cervone presented attendance metrics showing a year‑over‑year improvement: “Last year at this time, we had 773 absences. We're now at 636. It's a 17% drop,” he said, and reported overall attendance of roughly 96% for grades 6–12 as of Dec. 15.
Cervone described a range of interventions: home visits (some unannounced and some requested), family contracts, calls from guidance and counselors, and coordination with Erie County Child and Family Services for supports families cannot access through the district alone. He said the district uses persistent contact and casework — "we call like crazy around here" — and highlighted success stories where repeated outreach led to students returning and improving their attendance.
Board members asked for clarifications about how chronic absence is handled; Cervone said a student who misses 18 days is considered chronically absent and staff review next steps with administrators and counselors before more formal actions.
