Update: Ohio Attendance Law (HB 96)

Beavercreek City Schools has updated our attendance policies to align with Ohio House Bill 96. The state now focuses on Chronic Absenteeism, which is defined as total instructional time lost, regardless of the reason for the absence. The district’s new attendance policy will become effective August 1, 2026 and will be communicated prior to the start of the upcoming school year.

What is Changing?

The most significant shift under the new law is the focus on Chronic Absenteeism, which is defined as total instructional time lost. Under HB 96, medical absences are no longer tracked separately from other excused absences when calculating a student's attendance health.

What this means: ALL time missed from school, whether it is excused, medical, or unexcused now counts toward a student’s total hours missed for the school year.

Understanding the Terms

To help our families navigate these changes, it is important to understand the distinction between "Chronic Absenteeism" and "Habitual Truancy":

• Chronic Absenteeism (The "All-In" Count): This includes all absences for a student for any reason (excused, medical, or unexcused etc.). A student is considered chronically absent once they miss 10% of the instructional hours.
• Habitual Truancy (The "Unexcused" Count): This applies only to unexcused absences. Legal or punitive measures are still primarily reserved for cases of habitual truancy.  

Our goal remains to support your student’s success and consistent school attendance is a crucial component. If you have questions about your student’s attendance hours, please contact your child’s school building. 

Chronic Absenteeism Definition (NEW)

As of September 30, 2025, Ohio law defines a “chronically absent” student as “missing at least ten per cent of the minimum number of hours required in the school year”. The minimum number of hours referenced are also defined in Ohio law. Time missed from school for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences, will contribute to chronic absenteeism.  

Chronic Absenteeism Tracking and Notification

In accordance with Ohio House Bill 96, as of August 1, 2026, the district will follow the chronic absenteeism tracking and notification process below:

1. 40 Hour Notification - communication will be sent once a student has missed 40 instructional hours. Attendance related support can be requested by the parent/guardian. (Approximately 3% of instructional hours)
2. 80 Hour Notification - communication will be sent once a student has missed 80 instructional hours. The district will initiate attendance intervention strategies to   promote school attendance. (Approximately 7% of instructional hours)