In the 2023–24 school year, 66% of Detroit Public Schools Community District students were chronically absent—missing 18 or more days of school. That means only one-third of students attended class regularly. Kalamazoo Public Schools shows similar challenges, with chronic absenteeism hovering around 50%.
Behind these numbers are students facing real struggles: bullying, unsafe environments, mental health challenges, family crises, or simply the feeling that no one notices if they don’t show up. Chronic absenteeism is more than an attendance issue—it’s a signal that something deeper is standing between students and their education.
That’s where Relay12 comes in.
Relay12 is a confidential, student-centered reporting and engagement system built to connect students, staff, and families in real time. It helps schools:
Spot trends early by tracking attendance patterns daily.
Give students a voice to safely report concerns like bullying, unsafe routes, or personal challenges that keep them away.
Equip staff and SROs with secure, accessible data to act before small issues turn into major barriers.
Target interventions where they’re needed most, whether that’s counseling, transportation support, or parent engagement.
Rebuild trust so students know they are valued, supported, and expected in class.
Chronic absenteeism paints a troubling picture, but it isn’t the end of the story. With the right tools, schools can understand the “why” behind the absences and respond with compassion and action. Relay12 gives districts the ability to turn raw data into meaningful solutions that keep students present, safe, and engaged.
Because every student deserves more than just a seat in the classroom—they deserve to feel like they belong in it.