Connecticut Senate Bill SB00264

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The Exclusion Of Habitual Truants From The Calculation Of A School District's Chronic Absenteeism Rate.

Impact

The potential impact of SB00264 on state laws is significant as it provides a mechanism for school districts to manage their attendance metrics more favorably by excluding habitual truants. By allowing this exclusion, the bill could encourage school boards to focus their resources on treating chronic absenteeism that may result from various issues, rather than being penalized for the presence of habitual truants. This is intended to support the overall goal of improving student attendance and educational outcomes in the state.

Summary

SB00264, introduced by Senator Somers, proposes an amendment to the existing statute concerning chronic absenteeism rates in school districts. Specifically, the bill aims to allow local or regional boards of education to exclude habitual truants from the calculation of their district's chronic absenteeism rate. This provision is contingent upon the school boards having exhausted all efforts to encourage these students to attend school, which includes documentation of such efforts and notification to the Department of Education.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its contentious points. Opponents could argue that this measure might mask the underlying issue of truancy rather than address the factors contributing to it. There might be concerns about accountability and the accurate representation of student attendance data, as excluding habitual truants could dilute the understanding of actual absenteeism rates within a district. Additionally, some stakeholders may express anxiety regarding the adequacy of resources schools might allocate to effectively reintegrate habitual truants back into the education system following documented efforts, potentially challenging the measure's intended benefits.