Local Schools Battle Chronic Absenteeism

Districts in Columbiana County, Ohio take steps to improve attendance rates

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:18am

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School districts in Columbiana County, Ohio are working to address chronic absenteeism, which has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. East Liverpool City School District, which had the highest chronic absenteeism rate in the county, has implemented new data tracking systems and positive reinforcement programs to encourage better attendance. Other districts like Southern Local and Columbiana Exempted Village are also using similar strategies, though the overall rates in the county remain well above the state's 12.8% target.

Why it matters

Chronic absenteeism is a significant challenge for schools, as it can negatively impact student learning and academic performance. Districts are focused on finding effective ways to re-engage students and address the underlying issues, such as transportation barriers, mental health struggles, and family responsibilities, that contribute to high absenteeism rates.

The details

East Liverpool City School District superintendent Jonathan Ludwig explained that the district has made reducing chronic absenteeism a priority in recent years. Their rate has declined from 46.5% in 2021-22 to a projected 32.2% this school year, through improved data tracking and positive reinforcement programs. Other districts like Southern Local and Columbiana Exempted Village are also using similar strategies, with Southern Local anticipating a 10% decrease this year.

  • In the 2021-22 school year, East Liverpool's chronic absenteeism rate was 46.5%.
  • East Liverpool's chronic absenteeism rate has declined 3% annually over the past 5 years.
  • Last year, East Liverpool's chronic absenteeism rate was 37.6%.
  • East Liverpool projects their chronic absenteeism rate will drop to 32.2% this school year.

The players

Jonathan Ludwig

Superintendent of East Liverpool City School District.

Tom Cunningham

Superintendent of Southern Local School District.

Dr. Don Mook

Superintendent of Columbiana Exempted Village School District.

Kim Sharshan

Principal of Joshua Dixon Elementary School in Columbiana.

Rich Cyrus

Assistant principal at Columbiana Middle School and High School.

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What they’re saying

“(Our projected) improvement reflects several deliberate steps we have taken to better monitor attendance and support students. One of the first steps was improving our data systems. We implemented Attendance K-12, which allows our truancy officer and school teams to more efficiently identify and respond to students experiencing attendance challenging.”

— Jonathan Ludwig, Superintendent, East Liverpool City School District

“I am a believer that if you are not in school, you don't have the ability to learn. I anticipate we will have a 10 percent decrease this school year as result of some of our efforts.”

— Tom Cunningham, Superintendent, Southern Local School District

“Generally our parents do work with us to the best of their ability. Some kids are genuinely sick. Sometimes we do some online instruction with them, because they need that for legitimate reasons- not just because they are absent.”

— Dr. Don Mook, Superintendent, Columbiana Exempted Village School District

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.