NYC to overhaul attendance rules, requiring a ‘school avoidance liaison’ at every school

New York City's Education Department is proposing to overhaul attendance rules by requiring every school to have a 'school avoidance liaison' starting in September. The liaison will address chronic absenteeism linked to social or emotional issues, such as anxiety or depression, and join weekly attendance committees. The policy aims to provide consistent support for students struggling with school avoidance, following concerns about uneven responses across schools and a class action lawsuit over access to education for students with disabilities.