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Board hears alarm on attendance: regular attenders at 53%, state intervention risk raised
Summary
Superintendent Krista Nieraeth told the board regular attendance has fallen to 53%—the district's lowest—and warned sustained low rates could trigger state intervention; board members discussed enforcement limits and community engagement strategies.
Superintendent Krista Nieraeth told the Santiam Canyon School Board that the district’s regular‑attender rate has dropped to 53%, a level she warned could lead to state intervention within about four years if unchanged. "Attendance continues to decline," Nieraeth said, and she urged the board to consider community engagement strategies used by higher‑performing districts.
Nieraeth explained that the State compares districts on seven accountability metrics under SB 141 and that attendance definitions do not separate excused and unexcused absences; for a four‑day week, regular attendance is defined as 15 or fewer absences. Board members discussed enforcement challenges, including the lack of truancy officers and the difficulty of pursuing court involvement; Mrs. Allison asked for future discussion of attendance policies and penalties. The board did not take formal action at this meeting, but members agreed to schedule a work session in June to address strategic priorities and community engagement to improve attendance.
District enrollment was also discussed: Nieraeth reported the district is down about 10 students this year and does not expect to exceed 555 students this year, noting a smaller kindergarten class as a partial cause.
