Sparta Schools Address Chronic Absenteeism with Updated Attendance Policies

Sparta Township Public Schools are intensifying efforts to combat chronic absenteeism, a persistent issue affecting student performance and overall school success.

 

At the August 21 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Matthew Beck presented the 2025–2026 Corrective Action Plan (CAP), emphasizing the critical link between consistent attendance and academic achievement.

 

Beck highlighted that students missing 10% or more of the school year - equivalent to 18 days—are classified as chronically absent, a status that significantly increases the risk of academic decline and potential dropout.

 

Under New Jersey Department of Education Policy 5200, schools with a chronic absenteeism rate of 10% or higher are required to implement a CAP to address and reduce these rates.

 

Encouragingly, recent data indicates improvements across several schools.

 

Alpine Elementary School reduced its chronic absenteeism rate from 24% to 15.5%, and Sparta Middle School saw a decrease from 16.2% to 12.7%, both now below the state average.

 

However, Sparta High School experienced a slight increase in absenteeism, prompting a focused analysis to identify and address underlying causes.

 

Beck clarified the distinction between chronic absenteeism and truancy, reassuring parents that excused absences—such as those for illness, religious observances, and college visits—do not contribute to the 18-day threshold.

 

The CAP incorporates strategies like forming problem-solving teams, utilizing data-driven decision-making, and planning for sustainable improvements.

 

Community members are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Board of Education meeting scheduled for September 18 at 7 p.m. at Mohawk Avenue School, where further discussions on attendance policies and other educational matters will take place.