Absenteeism & Truancy
Livingston County follows a set attendance protocol to ensure all students are in school regularly. While excused absences are considered, frequent absences, for any reason, can affect your child’s learning and will be closely monitored.
By 6th grade, chronic absenteeism is one of three signs a student may drop out of school. Forty-five percent of students who are chronically absent do not finish high school. High school graduates make, on average, $1 million dollars more during their lifetime than their peers who do not graduate high school.
Protocol
The goal of each tier is to identify and address any barriers to attendance, ensuring the student consistently attends school.
Tier 1 – School Administration
- Notice #1: Parent/guardian will receive a letter and or call home due to 3 or more absences in a quarter of the school year
- Notice #2: When a student has 12 or more absences, parents/guardians will receive a second letter with a scheduled mandatory meeting with school administrators. At this meeting, an attendance plan will be created, and school and community resources will be offered to support the family.
Tier 2 – District Administration
If attendance does not improve, the Parent/guardian will receive letter #3 with a mandatory meeting scheduled with district administration, the School Resource Officer (SRO), and other key individuals to provide additional support and modify the previous attendance plan.
Tier 3 – Livingston County Truancy Officer
If attendance still doesn’t improve, a referral is sent to the Livingston County Truancy Officer, along with all necessary documentation. The Truancy Officer meets with the family to identify and address any challenges they may be facing. An assessment is completed, and if needed, the case may be referred to the prosecutor’s office.
Tier 4 – Prosecutor’s Office
Prosecutor’s Office receives case and brings attendance concern to the attention of the Livingston County Courts. Programs such as the Diversion Program or community resource supports may be introduced, along with additional court actions.
Relevant Resources
To obtain assistance with a student’s truancy, contact the Livingston County Attendance Officer, Deputy Greg Thompson, at gregthompson@livingstonesa.org.