Michigan school districts report improvements in student attendance

Michigan school districts and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) are reporting steady improvements in student attendance rates. State data shows that statewide public school attendance for the 2025-26 school year increased to 91.5%, marking the fourth consecutive year of gains following pandemic-era declines. Additionally, the statewide chronic absenteeism rate fell to 27.2%, an 11.3 percentage point decrease since the 2021-22 school year.

To combat absenteeism, officials are utilizing research-based strategies such as deep family engagement, coordinated attendance systems, and leadership involvement. Effective methods include home visits, personalized communication, and addressing external barriers to attendance.

In Van Buren County, local high school efforts led to a significant reduction in chronic absenteeism, which dropped from 23.9% to 11.1% over the last school year. This success was attributed to the Communities In Schools program, which provides individual case management and connects families with resources to address obstacles such as food insecurity, lack of transportation, and insufficient clothing or school supplies.