HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — Most schools are seeing decreased rates of chronic absenteeism in Hopewell City Public Schools — statistics school leaders plan to share Thursday evening at the division’s school board meeting .
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) defines chronic absenteeism as “missing ten percent or more of the academic year for any reason, including excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions.” This is equivalent to approximately 18 days per year or two to three days per month.
The division stood at a rate of 30.1% at the end of the 20-23 school year and then saw a decrease of chronic absenteeism during the 20-24 school year with a rate of 24.2%.
September-12-2024-Attendance-Update-School-Board-Presentation- Download
There is also an understanding that multiple factors can contribute to parents experiencing difficulties sending their students to school and/or on time.
The VDOE has provided incentives to assist parents who may have this issue, a few are listed below: