Listening to Our Community: Attendance, Learning, and Real-Life Challenges

Regular school attendance plays an important role in a child’s education. Being present in the classroom supports learning, consistency, social development, and connection with teachers and peers. For many families, ensuring children are in school each day is a shared priority and a responsibility taken seriously.

At the same time, families also navigate circumstances beyond their control. For some students, especially those with ongoing or extensive medical needs, consistent attendance can be challenging despite a family’s best efforts. Medical appointments, treatments, recovery periods, and unexpected health concerns can all affect a child’s ability to be physically present at school.

Our district, like many others, already has policies and supports in place to address attendance concerns and to assist families facing these challenges. This discussion is not intended to suggest that existing policies are ineffective or that a specific problem has been identified. Rather, it is an opportunity to listen and better understand how these policies are experienced by families and educators.

As a school board candidate, I believe that thoughtful decision-making begins with listening. I am seeking community input on how our attendance policies balance accountability with flexibility—particularly when it comes to excused and unexcused absences for students with significant medical needs. Understanding a wide range of perspectives helps ensure that future conversations are informed, balanced, and centered on the well-being and education of our children.

I encourage parents, students, educators, and community members to share their experiences and viewpoints. Open dialogue allows us to better understand one another and strengthens our ability to support all students in meaningful and responsible ways. Reach out with your opinions and concerns!!