District news
60% of Gustavus School students chronically absent this year
What happened
A presentation to the board on June 9, 2026 found 60% of Gustavus School students were chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the 160-day school year) during 2025-26, well above Alaska's 43% statewide rate. Elementary grades 1-3 were hit hardest at 67% chronically absent.
Why it matters to families
Research cited in the presentation links school-wide chronic absenteeism to lower reading and math proficiency for all students in a school, not just those who are absent, so this affects the whole student body, not only the students missing class.
The evidence
The June 9, 2026 board meeting packet includes the chronic-absenteeism data presentation delivered to the board that night.
The source
June 9, 2026 board meeting packetSee the full record for Chatham School District.
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