Can courts get students back in class next year?

Charlotte, NC – June 18, 2024

High Rates of Student Absenteeism

As extremely high rates of student absenteeism continue to drag on, frustration is growing among some individuals towards the adults who have allowed it to persist. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) estimated that almost 23% of students would miss at least 10% of school days, meeting the definition of chronic absence, in the past academic year. This equates to more than 32,000 students who are at risk of falling behind and failing.

Challenges with Truancy Court

District Attorney Spencer Merriweather addressed the issue, noting that while there are calls to “send them to jail,” truancy is only a Class 1 misdemeanor and is unlikely to result in a jail term. Furthermore, many families facing chronic absence are dealing with dire circumstances such as poverty, homelessness, and health crises, making a court summons ineffective in addressing the root causes of the problem.

Impact of the Pandemic

The challenges of truancy court were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a rise in absenteeism as students grappled with anxieties and family stresses. As courts reopened, backlogs and competing priorities within the system have made it difficult to address truancy effectively. Merriweather emphasized the need for a swift response to address consistent school absences, describing it as “a house on fire” that requires urgent attention.

Collaborative Solutions

Looking ahead to the upcoming academic year, Merriweather and CMS leaders are exploring collaborative solutions to address chronic absenteeism, including the establishment of truancy mediation centers across the county. These centers would involve social service agencies, housing support, health care providers, and mentoring groups to provide holistic support to families in crisis. While the exact structure of these mediation centers is still being determined, the goal is to intervene early and prevent further academic setbacks for vulnerable students.

Conclusion

Addressing chronic absenteeism among students requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond punitive measures. By engaging with community partners and providing targeted support to families in need, CMS aims to create a more supportive environment for students to thrive academically.