I will soon introduce legislation to address one of the most urgent challenges in Pennsylvania schools: chronic student absence. Chronic absence undermines academic achievement, widens opportunity gaps, and reinforces long-term inequities. Students who miss significant amounts of school are far more likely to fall behind, drop out, and face lifelong challenges.

The cost of inaction is too high. This legislation is aimed at establishing a flexible, evidence-based framework that responds to students’ needs and emphasizes preventive and supportive measures rather than punitive actions.

The bill prioritizes support for historically marginalized and vulnerable students. It requires schools to develop attendance improvement plans in collaboration with families and communities, promotes accountability and recognition for schools that successfully reduce chronic absence, and limits legal or court involvement to a last resort, focusing on restorative and preventive strategies.

This approach is designed to deliver measurable results, keeping students on track academically and guiding them to graduation.

Chronic absence is an early warning of academic failure and school disengagement. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure all Pennsylvania students have the support and resources they need to succeed.