By: Ryan Duey

The Abilene School District will launch a new Truancy Review Team to address rising absenteeism in the upcoming school year. Although initial data from the 2023-2024 school year showed progress, absentee rates surged in the second semester, with some grades exceeding last year’s levels.

Last year the class of 2024 had 34.4% chronically absent, up from 28.8% the previous year. The new team aims to reduce absenteeism by working closely with families, and addressing underlying issues like health problems, home life challenges, and poverty. Unlike previous reactive approaches, this initiative focuses on proactive support, involving community agencies to prevent students from falling into chronic absenteeism and facing court action.

The district believes reducing absenteeism is crucial for academic success and future employability. The goal is to foster supportive relationships, ensuring students regularly attend school and ultimately succeed in life.