The Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools has unanimously adopted its final report, presenting recommendations aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism in Georgia’s schools. The committee, chaired by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), was established through Senate Resolution 217 during the 2025 Legislative Session.
Over several months, the committee gathered input from school administrators, policymakers, parents, and community organizers. Discussions focused on evidence-based strategies to improve student attendance and ways to foster better communication between faculty and families.
Sen. Kennedy stated, “Our work over the last few months has the power to transform our schools, strengthen our communities and improve outcomes for children across Georgia. Across every meeting, experts emphasized that overcoming the barriers our students face will take innovative, data-driven solutions. Thank you to all of the speakers who dedicated their knowledge and passion to this committee over the past four months. You all have laid the vital groundwork for us to build upon to meet the needs of Georgia families and their students in the upcoming legislative session.”
The report recommends updating policies related to student attendance with a focus on early intervention and increased support for families. It suggests new truancy notification procedures, uniform statewide definitions for absenteeism, and a tiered framework that emphasizes prevention measures. The committee also advocates for using real-time data sharing among agencies to quickly identify issues affecting attendance.
Other proposed reforms include easing requirements for therapist licensure in schools, expanding access to vision and hearing screenings for students, launching a statewide “Everyday Counts” campaign promoting regular attendance, and limiting cellphone use within high schools.
The full report can be accessed through the Georgia General Assembly website.
Sen. John F. Kennedy represents Georgia’s 18th Senate District—which includes Crawford, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties as well as parts of Bibb and Houston counties—and is available for contact by phone or email regarding these efforts.
