GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — From 2021 to 2023, the State of Michigan saw increase of students with chronic absenteeism.

But in recent years – attendance numbers have gone up.

Over the last three years, attendance rates have increased each year, from 88.8% in 2021-22 to 91.3% in 2024-25.

One thing the Department of Education and administrators say is to blame for the absenteeism, is the COVID-19 Pandemic.

TCAPS Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner told 9&10 that he believes parents more on the edge of caution if a child is sick and keeping them home, but he added “we’re seeing those numbers go down this recent year, here are most recent numbers having, attendance rates actually improved by 2%. ”

Traverse City Area Public Schools has been doing their part in helping keep students in school by

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