Union schools says it has reduced chronic absenteeism

Source: Union Public Schools

Union Public Schools officials say the district has made significant progress in reducing chronic absenteeism during the 2024-25 school year – a decrease of 1.35% districtwide, or 200 fewer students, as of March.

Chronic absenteeism – defined as students missing 10% or more of school days, which is two days every month – has become an epidemic in America’s schools. As of March 2025, 26.24% of Union students were chronically absent compared to 27.59% a year ago. 

“This is a significant improvement for Union given the 200 fewer students who are no longer chronically absent, making it more likely that they will be successful academically and less likely to drop out,” said Superintendent Dr. John Federline. “This is a tribute not only to the students who have shown improvement, but to the hard work of school leaders, teachers and administrators who focused this year on reducing absenteeism. Their diligence is paying off.” 

At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, Unionlaunched a campaign called “Be Present to Win” to reduce chronic absenteeism. Using humor to poke fun at the various excuses students use to get out of school, the district wants students to equate success in career and life with being present at school.

“Good attendance is part of the foundation of student success,” said Dr. Todd Nelson, Senior Executive Director of Research, Design and Assessment. “Research shows that students with three consecutive years of chronic absenteeism can be set back as much as one full year academically.” 

The district’s goal for the 2024-25 school year is to reduce chronic absenteeism rates from 30 percent to 23 percent; as of March, Union’s rate is at 26.24%. Union also seeks to increase the daily attendance rate from 90 percent to 93 percent; there has been a slight improvement to 91.21% as of March, compared with 91.05% a year ago.

“We continue to make attendance gains, but we still have work to do,” said Federline. “To keep this tight focus on reducing chronic absenteeism, we are conducting a survey of students, parents and teachers regarding their own attitudes about attendance. We want to see if there are differences among the groups and how we might more effectively combat excessive absenteeism.”

Parents and teachers can participate in the ThoughtExchange survey at https://tejoin.com/scroll/892623599 or via the QR code below, available through Friday, April 18, at midnight. Students will receive the survey at school.

Dr. Federline acknowledged that chronic absenteeism is something that requires everybody’s attention. “Meeting this goal to reduce chronic absenteeism is going to require a community effort between our students, administrators, parents and teachers.”