GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Student attendance across Michigan is improving after years of heightened chronic absenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to recent data from the Michigan Department of Education.
From 2021 to 2023, the state saw a rise in students missing significant amounts of school.
However, attendance rates have increased each year since, climbing from 88.8% in 2021-22 to 91.3% in 2024-25.
Traverse City Area Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner said he believes part of the earlier absenteeism stemmed from parents being more cautious about sending sick children to school during and after the pandemic.
“We’re seeing those numbers go down this recent year,” VanWagoner said. “Our most recent numbers show attendance rates actually improved by 2%.”
VanWagoner said the district continues to follow the state’s chronic absenteeism policy, which includes multiple steps to address attendance issues if students continue to miss school.
“Northwest Education Services does have a truancy officer,” he said. “In those extreme situations, again, very few. But in those extreme situations where a kid is gone often 30, 40, 50 days, at that point they get involved to talk with parents and make sure they understand the legal requirements and ensure child safety.”
VanWagoner said TCAPS works to support students and families struggling with attendance through social workers, administrators, and local organizations.
“We can work with our social workers and our administrators to help that student,” VanWagoner said. “We have support with other agencies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and CAA to see if we can provide some tutoring or other kinds of support.”