Bill > HR180

This resolution creates a 16-member study group to comprehensively examine truancy issues in Louisiana's public schools, with a specific focus on potentially modifying the state's student count methodology for school funding. The study group will include representatives from various educational roles such as school social workers, counselors, principals, superintendents, and child welfare attendance officers from both rural and urban districts. The group is tasked with investigating the potential advantages and disadvantages of switching from the current two annual student count dates to an average daily attendance method in the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) funding formula. Their detailed report, due by February 1, 2026, must address multiple aspects of truancy, including strategies to increase attendance, reduce chronic absences, improve school-parent communication, analyze attendance data by student demographics, and examine inconsistencies in attendance reporting across the state. The resolution aims to provide comprehensive insights that could help address truancy challenges and potentially reform the state's school funding approach.