Board begins first reading of revised student attendance and truancy policies

What happened

The Policy Review Committee is presenting revised policies JED (Student Absences and Excuses) and JEDA (Truancy) for a first reading on September 14, 2026, with a second reading September 28 and adoption planned October 12, 2026. Changes include updated definitions of chronic absenteeism, tiered intervention requirements, an absence-intervention team mandate, and revised parent-notification thresholds (notification at 4% of required hours, up from lower prior thresholds referenced elsewhere in the policy).

Why it matters to families

These policies govern how the district identifies, notifies, and intervenes with families on student attendance and truancy, directly affecting family-facing procedures and potential referrals to juvenile court for excessive absences districtwide.

The evidence

Policy Review Committee document: 'JED \u2013 Student Absences and Excuses' and 'JEDA - Truancy' listed as first reading 9/14/2026, second reading 9/28/2026, third reading/adoption 10/12/2026, with new provisions on chronic absenteeism screening, tiered supports, and an absence intervention team.

The source