Chronic absenteeism found at Southern Colorado school districts

SOUTHERN COLORADO, Colo. (KRDO) - A new report released by the Common Sense Institute (CSI) finds that some Southern Colorado school districts are among the worst for chronic absenteeism and behavioral incidents.

Researchers found Harrison School District 2 had the highest behavioral incident rate at 389 per 1,000 students, nearly three times the average of 137.

Pueblo School District 60 had a 43% chronic absenteeism rate, according to the report.

Colorado Springs School District 11 also exceeded 200 behavioral incidents per 1,000 students.

KRDO13 has reached out to all three school districts for comment.

Pueblo School District 60 sent this response:

Pueblo District 60 has spent the past year deeply analyzing the data shared in this report to develop a systemic, community-wide approach to addressing the root causes behind the data. This effort continues into the 2025-2026 school year, with the district having identified and developed plans to address some of the systemic barriers to student attendance and subsequent academic achievement, including partnering with civic and government organizations to improve transportation for secondary students, streamline access to needed services for families for services like dental screenings and vaccinations, and adjusting academic supports to improve students’ engagement in rigorous coursework. These efforts include new community partnerships with Pueblo Transit for transportation support for secondary students and with Pueblo Community College to provide free access to concurrent enrollment courses (with provided transportation), while also beginning work to reimagine CTE course offerings in our high schools to engage our students in career pathways that will prepare them for the jobs of the future. Furthermore, the district is implementing a district-wide Multi-Tiered System of Supports to ensure systemic and proactive identification of root causes when students first demonstrate signs of struggle with attendance, behaviors, social emotional needs, and/or academics, enabling school teams to proactively support students and families on an ongoing basis.

The first-ever D60 Back-to-School Bash, held yesterday (8/7/25) demonstrates our community-wide approach to addressing the needs of our young people in our Pueblo community and was a resounding success, with over 40 community partners joining each of our school principals in welcoming our students and families to a new school year while providing free access to needed services and resources, such as dental screenings, vaccines, and haircuts to our students in a fun atmosphere with many activities and performances for the whole family and community to enjoy. We look forward to deepening our partnership with the greater Pueblo community in the coming year, with plans for a Student Engagement Working Group, composed of representatives from community organizations and government agencies to help us ensure effective and streamlined supports for our young people in Pueblo.

-Pueblo School District 60

Harrison School District 2 sent this response:

While the Common Sense Institute’s report highlights data that may not reflect D2 in the most favorable light regarding behavioral incidents per 1,000 students, it does not tell the full story of how our district approaches student behavior and support.

D2 is deeply committed to addressing the complex challenges our students bring with them to school. Our focus is not simply on counting referrals but on what happens after a referral is made. In D2, referrals are often the starting point for meaningful intervention — not punishment. They lead to restorative practices, family conferences, connections to our Student Success Centers, and referrals to both in-school and community mental health services.

Unlike in other environments where referrals may be solely punitive, in D2 they are most often a gateway to connection with a caring adult and needed support. It’s also important to note that many of the behaviors leading to referrals are not dangerous or extreme, as might be implied in the report. In fact, D2 ranks in the middle range for violent incidents across districts.

We are working diligently to respond to behavior with a restorative and instructive lens. Last school year, half of all behavior incidents were resolved using restorative practices. Our students are noticing this shift. In our 2024-25 School Culture Survey, 89% of students in grades 3–5 and 80% in grades 6–12 reported feeling safe at school. Additionally, 89% of younger students and 83% of secondary students said their teachers respond appropriately when behavior issues arise in the classroom.

At D2, we believe every behavior is an opportunity for growth, reflection, and connection — and we are investing in systems that help students succeed both in and out of the classroom. We invite you to take a tour of our schools. 

-A spokesperson for Harrison School District 2

A spokesperson for Colorado Springs School District 11 shared this statement:

The Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) is committed to creating safe, engaging schools where students feel supported and ready to learn. The recent report from the Common Sense Institute draws on data from the 2023-2024 school year - information that has already helped guide and shape important changes we began implementing last year and continue to refine today.

"The data in this report reinforces the importance of the work already underway in D11," said D11 Superintendent, Michael Gaal. "A strong school culture is essential for academic success, and we've taken significant, proactive steps to improve attendance, encourage positive behavior, and keep students engaged in learning."

Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, and continuing this year, in response to these trends, the D11 Board of Education and administration led the region by implementing several key initiatives:

• First-in-the-region comprehensive cell phone policy - requiring students to leave their devices outside of the classroom environment to minimize distractions and re-engage students in learning.
• New standard operating procedures for attendance and behavior - including timely parent attendance notifications via text, calls, and email and improved communication and consistent follow-through on behavior incidents.

Superintendent Gaal continued, "We know meaningful change takes time, and we remain committed to this ongoing work." 

Board of Education President Dr. Parth Melpakam added, "These trends are not limited to District 11. We will continue to evaluate our progress and partner with our parents to increase attendance, as every day of quality instruction matters."

- Colorado Springs School District 11

You can read the full report here.