Vermont Launched New Plan to Curb Student Absenteeism

State families can expect new support measures this October to address chronic school absences.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education

Screen-print poster illustration of a brick schoolhouse entrance in vintage colors, representing community-focused educational support. — The Vermont Agency of Education has launched a multi-year strategy to combat chronic absenteeism by expanding community and transportation support for state families. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Are local schools and community programs effectively addressing the root causes of student chronic absenteeism?

The Vermont Agency of Education has launched a new multi-year plan to address chronic absenteeism, which currently affects one in four students across the state. The initiative aims to improve attendance by focusing on community resources, transportation, and mental health support for families.

Why it matters

Chronic absenteeism has remained elevated following the COVID-19 pandemic, causing many students to miss critical instructional time, healthy meals, and vital support services. This statewide strategy seeks to reverse these trends over the next three to five years by bolstering district-level resources.

Chronic absenteeism is officially defined as missing at least 10% of school days each year. While current rates sit at 24%, the state plan will be implemented over a three to five-year period to improve these outcomes.

The players

Vermont Agency of Education

The state department responsible for overseeing public school policy and managing educational resources for Vermont families.

Phil Scott

The current Governor of Vermont who signed the legislative framework to address school attendance in June.

The details

The strategy utilizes data collected by schools to identify areas needing intervention and provides standardized communication templates for districts to send home. By focusing on community initiatives, expanded after-school activities, and transportation solutions, the state aims to remove the barriers preventing regular attendance. The plan also includes a framework for engaging with schools that have already achieved positive attendance results to share successful practices.

Chronic absenteeism hit 18% during the 2019-20 school year.
Rates peaked at 42% in the 2021-22 school year.
Absenteeism was 24% for the 2023-24 school year.
Governor Phil Scott signed the attendance legislation in June 2026.
New state plan steps are expected to roll out in October 2026.

The Home Front

This initiative follows the legislative mandate signed in June to combat a significant spike in student absences seen statewide since the pandemic. The plan signals a long-term regulatory shift toward state-led support to ensure consistent student access to classroom instruction.

Families should watch for upcoming communications from their local school district regarding new attendance resources and support programs. If your student is struggling with attendance, contact your school counselor to discuss available mental health and transportation assistance.

The takeaway

Consistent attendance is essential for accessing school support services and maintaining academic progress. Families should monitor their school district portals for new updates this October to see how these resources can support their student's return to regular attendance.