Board member Diana Revoir reported on research on chronic absenteeism and artificial intelligence at the Valley Central school board meeting July 22. Revoir and several other board members attended sessions on these and other topics at the annual Leadership in Education Conference of the New York State School Boards Association July 19 and 20 in Albany.

Revoir said that presenters recommended that school boards keep on top of data on the statewide problem of chronic absenteeism - “a problem we definitely see here.” She said that boards need to know the makeup of students who are chronically absent. The presenters recommended that school boards focus on policies that focus on prevention rather than punitive measures.

Revoir also discussed a session on artificial intelligence. She said that AI is transforming the world of work and the skills workers need. She said school districts need to shift from teaching content to teaching skills, including cognitive skills, interpersonal skills and self-leadership skills.

Brad Conklin, School Business Official, reported for Superintendent Evette Avila who was out of town. He said that 13 middle school students attended the National Leadership Conference June 29-July 3 in Seattle. The students, members of Melissa Toromanides’ Community Leaders of America class, competed in a wide variety of issues including Career Investigation and Entrepreneurship.

Conklin later reported that parents seeking alternative transportation must do so by August 2. He said the district receives 300 such requests annually.

The board will next meet on August 12 for a board retreat.