Chronic Absenteeism Webinar: How Alternative Student Transportation Closes the Gap
Nearly half of students experiencing housing instability in 2022-2023 were chronically absent, and the issue is only growing. In this expert-led webinar, dive into the growing issue of chronic absenteeism, and how transportation plays a critical role in solving it. Join education and McKinney-Vento experts as they unpack the limitations of traditional school transportation models and spotlight scalable, alternative solutions that are improving access for underserved and at-risk students.
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Key Topics Covered in the Chronic Absenteeism Webinar
We brought together EverDriven’s Ashley Riley and Courtney Pallotta to tackle one question: how do rides shape attendance? They shared a real case from the field, the latest absenteeism numbers, and a simple way to act fast. The takeaway is practical. Start with the barrier, match it to the right ride, and aim to launch within forty-eight hours.
The Connection Between Transportation and Absenteeism
- Transportation is the first variable you can control
Think of it like a gate to the school day. When the gate sticks, nothing moves. When the gate opens on time, attendance and engagement rise. The panel tied missed rides to three downstream effects: loss of routine, reduced classroom participation, and lower confidence in school. One liaison reported a student who went from missing a third of her days to perfect attendance over two weeks once a consistent ride began. The shift started with the ride, not a new curriculum. - Identification lives here too
Chronic absenteeism often hides students who meet McKinney-Vento eligibility but have not been identified. Front-line presence matters. Discreet QR flyers in counseling and attendance offices give caregivers a private entry point. Intake scripts that ask about housing and rides surface issues sooner. The earlier you spot the barrier, the faster you can unlock a seat in class.
Limitation of Traditional Transportation Models
- Buses do essential work, but capacity and rigidity create friction
Districts face driver shortages, full routes, and limited flexibility for off-route pickups. Many reported three-week lead times to place a student on a route. The webinar advice was blunt: do not let a student wait out a scheduling cycle. Start with a small-capacity vehicle now. Move to a bus later if it fits. - Last-mile gaps undo good plans
Weather, dark mornings, and long walks from drop points turn a “routed” student into an absence. The fix is simple logistics. Add micro-stops near school doors during bad weather. Adjust curbside locations when safety is a concern. Small changes save days.
The Role of Alternative Student Transportation
- Start with the barrier, not the mode
Off-route temporary housing calls for a small-capacity vehicle that can turn quickly and reroute overnight. Frequent address changes require a partner that can reset pickups within one to two days and confirm details with caregivers. Long school-of-origin trips need scheduled rides that run like clockwork. Older students in reliable transit corridors can use city passes, but they still need a backup number to call if rides fall through, along with early check-ins. - Compliance and trust are part of the solution
Families want predictability. Districts need safety, reporting, and clear liability. The panel emphasized vetting: driver screening, vehicle inspections, reroute speed, and who answers the phone when a ride is late. These details build confidence and keep students in class.
Success Stories and Practical Steps Forward
- 48-hour response
The counterexample to backsliding into missing school is the 48-hour response. Make the best-interest decision the day you learn about the change. Target a start within 48 hours when feasible. Confirm contacts, the pickup window, and any safety needs before the first ride. Send a one-page “What to Expect” guide so families know how it works and who to call. - Pilot, then prove it
Select a small cohort—10 to 15 students who are missing school due to transportation barriers. Start service and track two numbers each week: attendance and liaison hours spent on logistics. Meet every Friday for 6-13 weeks. Adjust early. Decide based on the change you see, not anecdotes. - What districts asked—and what the panel answered
Outsourcing can extend capacity if providers are built for students and meet compliance standards. Taxis and rideshare can fill gaps, but liability often flows back to the district, and some states require a parent ride-along. Students with IEP transportation needs should get a customized plan. Some do well on a bus. Others need smaller vehicles, consistent drivers, or additional supports. - Why transportation pays off
One district leader reported graduation gains among McKinney-Vento students after strengthening transportation, including a class where McKinney-Vento graduates outpaced the district average. The pattern matched what the panel sees elsewhere: better attendance, higher engagement, improved scores, and stronger funding positions that come from accurate identification and consistent presence in class.
About the Chronic Absenteeism Expert Panel
Courtney Pallotta – Chief Marketing Officer, EverDriven
Ashley Riley – Licensed McKinney-Vento Liaison, EverDriven
