Newark Schools' Truancy Rate Close To State Average

Slightly more than one-fourth of Newark public school students were reported as truant at least once during the past school year, according to information released by the state superintendent's office.

The district's 29 percent truancy rate is close to the state average and slightly below the county average.

Truancy is defined as any student who misses 30 minutes or more of class time without a valid excuse at least three times in one school year.

The highest rate in the district is at Bridgepoint Continuation High with 77 percent. It's followed by Newark Memorial High with 50 percent.

The primary schools in the district are all between 14 and 26 percent.

William Whitton, the district's coordinator of pupil services, said the district's truancy rate has dropped more than 5 percentage points since the 2009-2010 school year. However, district officials still aren't satisfied.

"Students missing school for inexcusable reasons is just not acceptable," Whitton said.

To combat the problem, Newark officials worked with the Alameda County District Attorney's office this year to put together a truancy assembly for students with the lowest attendance records. Some parents and guardians also attended.

Each school also has an attendance review team that helps students and families when there are problems with absences.

In addition, district officials stay in touch with parents via the phone and letters concerning student absences.

"If students aren’t in school, they are missing out on their education, missing out on some of the best, well-trained educators that have ever worked in the field," said Whitton. "We need students to attend school to learn – it’s that simple."

Schools also lose state ADA funds when students are absent.

"Times are tight enough as it is," said Whitton. "Truancy is like having a bucket with holes in the bottom."

Below is a table from data gleaned from the state superintendent's website. You can view information on suspensions, explusions and truancy for each individual school here.