To the editor:
While many people often associate the continuing changes from the COVID-19 ppandemic with lasting increased health measures, other long-term effects are repeatedly overlooked. Across the country, chronic absenteeism (when a student misses 10% or more of the school year) has been on the rise and Marblehead Public Schools are no exception.
A study by Return to Learn Tracker found that the percentage of chronically absent students in Marblehead rose from 7% in 2017 to 19% in 2025. This drastic increase in absenteeism is consistent throughout the U.S. with the average percent of chronically absent students practically doubling after the pandemic. According to attendance data from the 2024-2025 school year 43% of low-income students were chronically absent. It is no coincidence that one of the main causes of chronic absenteeism is a lack of transportation.
Several studies have found that chronic absenteeism has detrimental effects. A 2021 study found that missing just 10 math classes reduces both students’ math course grades by 19% and the overall likelihood of on-time graduation by 8%.
In an effort to fully understand the current efforts in Marblehead to reduce chronic absenteeism, I reached out to School Committee member and Communications Subcommittee Chair Henry Gwazda. In both his response to my email as well as his statement during the School Committee meeting on Nov. 6, he expressed his hope for the School Committee to incorporate data storytelling into their work. The committee voted to officially begin working towards this goal and discussed how it also aligns with the superintendent’s goals.
There is no way to solve a problem if people are not aware it exists. Therefore, the first step to reducing the number of chronically absent students is clear communication about its effects. The School Committee can achieve this goal through newsletters and consistent updates during committee meetings about chronic absenteeism.
Once the community is informed, it will empower school administrators to address the various causes of chronic absenteeism. The main contributors behind chronic absenteeism are a lack of transportation and mental health problems. School administrators can assist students by working one-on-one with them to create specific plans. Carpooling with friends could be very helpful for those with a lack of transportation. While it may be more difficult to assist students experiencing mental health issues, making sure that school is a safe space by providing a support system could greatly improve their attendance.
This work may be difficult, but it is essential that the Marblehead community works together to reduce chronic absenteeism and support any and all struggling students.
Olivia Gates
Pingree School student
Ocean Avenue
