Buchanan County Prosecutor Office and SJSD collaborate to combat student absenteeism

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Buchanan County Prosecutor's Office and St. Joseph School District are partnering together to address student absenteeism.

Absenteeism has increased since the pandemic and remains a serious problem in the state, including in St. Joseph.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Missouri's chronic absenteeism was at 21% during the 2022-23 school year.

SJSD's Annual Report Card on the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) also states it saw a 78.2% total proportional attendance rate during the 2023-2024 school year.

Statewide annual school "report cards" through DESE are released for the prior school year at the end of November.

Missouri law requires parents and guardians of children to ensure their children attend school regularly. A conviction for violation of that law can result in a jail sentence of 15 days and/or a fine of up
to $750.

Dr. Ashly McGinnis, SJSD superintendent, said that the district's focus is on supporting students
and families before legal action becomes necessary.

“We know that when students are in school consistently, they are more likely to succeed academically.”
McGinnis said. “This partnership with the Prosecutor’s Office is about accountability, but it’s also about
support. We want to work alongside families to remove barriers, encourage attendance, and give every
child the best chance to succeed."