In an effort to combat rising absenteeism in Ohio schools, state lawmakers are considering an innovative bipartisan bill that proposes cash incentives for students to boost attendance and graduation rates. The bill, spearheaded by Rep. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) and Rep. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), aims to tackle the alarming increase in truancy, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposed pilot program would target kindergarten and 9th-grade students in selected schools with high absenteeism and low graduation rates. These students could receive biweekly cash transfers of $25 for maintaining an attendance rate of 90% over a two-week period. Additionally, those who sustain this attendance rate throughout the year could earn $150 per quarter and a total of $700 by year-end. The program also offers graduating students a base award of $250, with additional incentives for high GPAs.
The initiative, which sets aside $1.5 million for the pilot, aims to address a critical issue in Ohio’s education system. Before the pandemic, 15% of ninth graders were considered chronically absent, a figure that has since soared to over 31%. For kindergarteners, the rate has jumped from 11% to 29%. These startling numbers represent a significant challenge for educators and policymakers.
While some Republican committee members have raised concerns about the message this program sends, arguing it rewards students for fulfilling basic legal obligations, proponents believe the traditional methods of motivation, like special events and disciplinary measures, have been ineffective. Seitz argues that the immediacy of cash payments may be more appealing to today’s students, who often seek immediate gratification.
The bill’s supporters highlight the long-term financial benefits for the state, emphasizing that students who are chronically absent or drop out tend to have lower lifetime earnings and higher interactions with the criminal justice system. By investing in this program, the state hopes to reduce future costs associated with dropout recovery and other interventions.
The proposal has sparked debate over the best methods to address absenteeism and improve educational outcomes. If successful, the program could expand statewide, offering a potential new model for encouraging school attendance and performance. The bill is currently undergoing public hearings and will require approval from both the House and Senate before it can be enacted.
