On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 Communities In Schools Executive Director, Dr. Rustin Lewis, participated in a panel on chronic absenteeism and truancy before the DC State Board of Education. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing more than 10% of all school days, whether the absence is excused or unexcused. Over the course of a school year, that equates to over three weeks of missing classes. Dr. Lewis commented, “students are eager to attend and learn, and we are responsible for removing any obstacles that hinder them. Our Coordinators employ various successful methods to reduce chronic absenteeism: they provide incentives and recognition, offer support and intervention for students at risk of missing school, and create a positive and engaging environment.”    7News covered the event.