State leaders annouce goal to reduce absenteeism by 50% over 5 years

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — On Thursday, Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced a 5-year goal to address chronic absenteeism.

They’re pledging to make cuts by 50% through spotlighting the importance of being in school. In Ohio, chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% or more of the school year. These absences include excused, medically excused, unexcused and suspensions.

Attendance studies highlight the connection between regular attendance and critical measures including reading proficiently, academic performance and graduation rates.

The 2024 Ohio School Report Cards showed chronic absenteeism declined from 26.8% in the 2022-2023 school year to 25.6% in the 2023-2024 school year.

To view your district’s report card, visit this website .

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