HI HR109

Request the Board of Education and Department of Education to develop a strategic plan addressing chronic student absenteeism in Hawaii public schools.

Require the strategic plan to identify weaknesses in attendance policies, specify desired outcomes for parent contact and classroom support, and develop effective data collection and reporting methods for administrators, guardians, and neighborhood boards.

Mandate that schools implement standards requiring direct communication from school administrators to students' guardians within a reasonable timeframe for any absences or tardiness, along with written notification of unexcused absences.

Require the Department of Education to submit the strategic plan to the Legislature 60 days before the 2016 Regular Session convenes, and submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation 30 days prior to that session.