School Attendance & Truancy
Regular attendance is an important part of every student’s educational journey. Being in school consistently gives students more opportunities to learn, build relationships, participate in their school community and stay on track toward their goals.
At Northeastern Local School District, we want to work alongside students and families to identify challenges early, provide support when it is needed, and help every student stay connected to learning. Together, we can help every learner grow, achieve and thrive.
District Safety & Compliance Director
Johnny Leman
(937) 325-7615, Ext. 1023
Email Mr. Lemen
Why Attendance Matters
Consistent attendance is an important part of student achievement. National research indicates that missing 5–12 days of school during the year can put a student at risk of falling behind in reading and math proficiency. Regular attendance also helps students stay connected to their teachers, classmates and school community.
We Want to Partner With You
When attendance becomes a concern, we want to connect with families early, understand what may be getting in the way, and work together to support the student’s journey.
Depending on a student’s needs, that support may include:
- Early communication with students and families
- Conversations to better understand barriers to regular attendance
- Connections to school or community resources
- Collaborative attendance support plans
- Ongoing check-ins to monitor progress and adjust support as needed
The focus is on support, partnership and progress. Together, we can help students stay connected to learning, keep moving forward and have the opportunity to grow, achieve and thrive.
What’s Changing Under Ohio’s Updated Attendance Law?
Ohio’s updated attendance requirements place a greater emphasis on early communication, support and intervention when students begin missing significant amounts of school.
All Missed Time Counts Toward Chronic Absence
Under the new requirements, all time missed from school counts toward chronic absence, including excused, unexcused and medical absences.
Chronic absence is defined as missing 10% or more of the required school year, regardless of the reason for the absence.
Habitual truancy is different from chronic absence. It is based on specific amounts of unexcused absence under House Bill 96 and has separate intervention requirements.
Earlier Communication With Families
Schools are required to communicate with families when a student reaches 5% of the required instructional hours. This early notification is intended to open a line of communication and provide an opportunity to address challenges before attendance concerns become more significant.
A student reaching the 5% threshold does not mean the student is chronically absent. It is an early point for communication and support.
Chronic Absence: 10%
When a student misses 10% or more of the required instructional hours, the student is considered chronically absent, which triggers a collaborative meeting with our support teams to develop a plan for success.
At this point, schools will work with the student and family to better understand the circumstances affecting attendance and identify appropriate supports.
Understanding Absences
Under Ohio’s updated attendance requirements, all time missed from school counts toward chronic absence, regardless of the reason for the absence.
Excused Absences
Examples may include:
- Student illness or medical appointments
- Family emergencies
- Religious observances
- Other reasons permitted under district policy
Unexcused Absences
Examples may include:
- Absences without a valid reason or required notification
- Skipping school or leaving school without permission
- Other absences that do not meet the requirements for an excused absence
Questions?
If you have questions about your student’s attendance, an absence, or available support, please contact your student’s school. Working together, we can help every learner stay connected, keep moving forward and make progress along the journey.