Committee of the Whole Public Hearing (RECONVENED)

COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004 RECONVENED CHAIRMAN PHIL MENDELSON COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ANNOUNCES A PUBLIC HEARING on “Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy” on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. Hearing Room 412, John A. Wilson Building (Track B) Hearing Room 412 (Track B) John A. Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW DC Council Website (www.dccouncil.gov) Council Chairman Phil Mendelson announces a public hearing of the Committee of the Whole on Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. This hearing was originally convened on December 12, 2023. The purpose of this public oversight hearing is to hear from government witnesses, experts, school leaders, teachers, families, advocates, and students about barriers to regular school attendance and ways to remove those barriers. In the 2021-2022 school year, 48 percent of District students were chronically absent, meaning they missed 10% or more days of school. Numerous studies have shown chronic absenteeism has serious consequences for students ranging from falling behind academically to severe increases in the likelihood of dropping out. While schools have a crucial role to play by building relationship-centered learning environments, engaging families, and holding early interventions, they are not alone in the task of promoting student attendance. The Deputy Mayor of Education, the Child and Family Services Agency, Court Social Services, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Office of the Attorney General, and Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants all play significant parts in encouraging students to attend school. The Committee is particularly concerned with the strategies to increase student attendance, the efficacy of early warning and support systems, and coordination across government agencies in tackling the dire problem of chronic absenteeism and truancy. Those who wish to testify must register at http://www.ChairmanMendelson.com/testify by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023. Testimony is limited to four minutes; less time will be allowed if there are many witnesses. Witnesses who anticipate needing spoken language interpretation, or require sign language interpretation, are requested to inform the Committee office of the need as soon as possible but no later than five business days before the proceeding. We will try to fulfill timely requests, although alternatives may be offered. Requests received in less than five business days may not be fulfilled. If you have additional questions, please email bverlin@dccouncil.gov or contact Bijan Verlin, at (202) 724-4865. Public witnesses will participate virtually via the Internet on the Zoom Video Conference platform. Testimony should be submitted through the Council’s Hearing Management System (https://lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings) in advance of the hearing. Testimony will be publicly accessible upon Committee review. If you are unable to testify at the hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Statements for the record should be submitted through the Hearing Management System or left by voicemail by calling (202) 430-6948 (up to 3 minutes which will be transcribed). The record will close at 5:00pm on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.