Grand Canyon Times

Data from the Helios Foundation presented to the State Board of Education last month reveals a significant increase in absenteeism rates across all grade levels, rising from approximately nine percent during the 2019-20 school year to 30 percent in the 2022-23 school year. Arizona defines chronic absence as missing 10 percent or more of the school year for any reason while enrolled at a given school.

Tom Horne expressed gratitude towards Sheriff Jerry Sheridan for his willingness to assist parents and school districts dealing with repeated truancies. Horne stated, "We have to create a motivation for parents to be sure their children go to school, and when willful violations of the law occur, they are prosecuted, which unfortunately has not always been the case. We urge city attorneys to treat truancy cases brought to them as a priority."

Horne further emphasized the gravity of the situation: "The idea that a third of our students are missing 18 days of school or more is a real catastrophe and an emergency for our state. Students cannot learn if they are not in school." He advocated for schools adopting measures where nine unexcused absences result in failing a course and five tardies count as an absence. Additionally, he called on law enforcement officers to increase their awareness about this issue and be prepared to issue citations for truancy.

Sheriff Sheridan has committed to raising awareness about truancy and reinforcing that students need to be present at school. Under Arizona law, knowingly allowing children to miss school constitutes a Class 3 misdemeanor offense. Sheridan remarked, "It isn’t safe for young kids to be out of school and wandering the streets. It’s critical that our kids are in school getting a proper education to prepare them for their future." He also highlighted that parents who fail in this responsibility face legal consequences.

Dysart Unified School District Superintendent John Croteau stressed the importance of regular attendance: “As a school district, we believe that every day in class matters. Consistent attendance is key to academic achievement, personal growth, and building strong habits for the future.” Croteau noted that their absenteeism policy aims to support students and families in overcoming obstacles preventing regular attendance.

Arizona law mandates under A.R.S. 15-802 that all children between ages six and sixteen must attend an academic institution where they receive instruction in reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science.