As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, there’s been a concerning rise in student absenteeism in Minneapolis. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% of school days, has surged from 14% in 2019 to 30% in 2022 statewide, with even higher rates among black, Latino, and Native American students. This trend is linked to declining test scores and an uptick in juvenile crime. Legislators like DFL Sen. Steve Cwodzinski are pushing for innovative solutions to address absenteeism, while Republican Sen. Julia Coleman emphasizes the need to free up school funding to allow districts to tackle the issue uniquely. Programs like Hennepin County’s Safe Communities and Ramsey County’s collaborative efforts aim to prevent truants from turning to criminal activities, but limited resources pose challenges in engaging with these students effectively.
