MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Chronic absenteeism in South Dakota public schools has remained steady at 21% for the past two school years after rising sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from the South Dakota Department of Education. Rates climbed from 14% in the 2018-19 school year to 22% in 2021-22 before leveling off.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, which amounts to roughly two days per month. Nationally, absenteeism peaked at 31% in 2021-22 and declined to 28% the following year, according to federal data.

State officials noted that South Dakota’s overall rate is significantly influenced by high absenteeism among Native American students. During the 2023-24 school year, 51% of Indigenous students were identified as chronically absent.

Education research has linked chronic absenteeism to lower academic performance and an increased likelihood of students not completing high school.

In 2023, the Department of Education awarded grants to nine school districts to help address the issue. Funded initiatives include transportation support, community engagement programs and mentoring services designed to improve student attendance.