Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group holds first in-person meeting, seeks stakeholder input

St. Paul, MN - On Monday, the Minnesota Legislature’s Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group held their first in-person meeting. Established through bipartisan legislation championed by State Representative Heather Keeler (DFL - Moorhead), the legislative study group has a bipartisan, bicameral mission to address attendance in Minnesota’s schools and ensure all students have the tools to succeed.

“Coming from my school liaison background, I’m honored to help lead this conversation and start creating a path to solutions for our students,” said Rep. Keeler, who chairs the legislative study group. “Our group is made up of legislators from across the political spectrum with various experiences in education, because that’s what’s needed to tackle this issue that impacts schools throughout Minnesota. Adults coming together to find solutions with kids at the heart of our process is what our students deserve. We’re all stakeholders when it comes to improving education in our state, and I invite everyone interested to help guide our work.”

The study group will analyze issues related to student attendance and truancy, evaluate possible improvements, and identify any statutory changes needed to implement recommendations, culminating in a report due to the Legislature by the end of this year.

It is a pleasure to work with Representative Keeler and my House and Senate colleagues as we work toward bipartisan, common sense solutions to address the attendance and truancy crisis in Minnesota,” said Rep. Ben Bakeberg (R - Jordan). Thank you to all of the stakeholders who engaged and we look forward to getting stakeholders input from across Minnesota. 

As the study group continues to meet, stakeholders - students, parents, social workers, coaches, those who run after school programs, etc. - are encouraged to engage in the process. Those interested in testifying can fill out this survey. 

It is a win for kids that Rep. Keeler is chairing the Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group,” said Matt Shaver, Policy Director for EdAllies. “I am confident that her leadership will result in a bipartisan effort to dig deep into the root causes for why students are missing so much learning time, and her collaborative mindset will help coordinate efforts between families, schools, counties, and the state to identify workable solutions that will make a significant impact on increasing student attendance. Rep. Keeler is clearly dedicated to getting this right for kids, is a joy to partner with, and I look forward to supporting the work of this committee moving forward. 

Video of Monday’s hearing can be found here. The next hearing, which will be virtual to accommodate those in Greater Minnesota, will be held on Monday, August 26, from 2:30-4:30pm. 

Attached Photo: Reps. Bakeberg and Keeler during this week’s hearing.

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