Bill > A09173

This bill establishes the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program of New York (LEAP-NY), a three-year pilot program designed to address chronic student absenteeism in school districts across the state. The program will select 15 school districts from the 100 largest districts (excluding New York City) through a competitive application process, focusing on districts with significant absenteeism challenges. Participating districts will create dedicated outreach teams comprising staff and community partners who will proactively engage with students who have accumulated multiple unexcused absences. These teams will conduct home visits, phone calls, and meetings to understand the root causes of absenteeism, which may include transportation barriers, housing insecurity, health issues, or caregiving responsibilities. Each participating district will develop personalized re-engagement plans for chronically absent students, connect families with community services, and maintain comprehensive data tracking systems. The program emphasizes supportive interventions, with legal or protective services considered only as a last resort. Districts will be required to submit annual reports detailing their absenteeism rates, outreach efforts, and provided support services. The New York State Education Department will provide training and technical assistance to districts, and will submit an interim report after one year and a final report after two years to evaluate the program's effectiveness and potential statewide expansion.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9173