How Detroit school board candidates would address chronic absenteeism

September 22, 2026

The newly elected Detroit school board members will tackle the district's persistent chronic absenteeism problem, which has improved from 76. 7% in 2021-22 to 60% by the end of 2025-26, though many students still miss at least 18 days of the 180-day school year. Various interventions have been implemented, including hiring attendance agents, establishing health hubs, offering payment incentives for perfect attendance, and providing free transportation options.

Who is affected

Detroit public school students (particularly those chronically absent)
The five newly elected Detroit school board members
The 34 candidates running for school board positions (31 for four-year terms, 3 for a two-year term)
Detroit families and parents
Mayor Mary Sheffield

What action is being taken

The district is employing attendance agents
Health hubs are operating
Incentive programs are paying high school students for perfect attendance
A pilot program is providing free yellow school bus transportation to some high schools with high absenteeism rates
City bus service is free for all Detroit students
After-school programs have been expanded
A pilot rideshare program is operating for students at several high schools

Why it matters

Despite improvements, 60% of Detroit students remain chronically absent, meaning they miss at least 10% of the school year. Chronic absenteeism significantly impacts student learning, academic achievement, and long-term educational outcomes, making it a critical issue that requires sustained attention and innovative solutions from newly elected school board members and city leadership.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com