Newark Absenteeism Falls to 8.5% as Board Probes High School Gaps

Newark Public Schools cut chronic absenteeism to 8.5% and projects a 92% graduation rate for the class of 2026, according to data presented to the Board of Education on Aug. 27, 2026. But first-year results on a new state graduation test, with 54% passing English and 41% passing math, pushed board members to ask whether resources reach the comprehensive high schools that trail on nearly every measure. Earlier, teachers and a union member used public comment to raise alleged retaliation and civil service rule-bending. The board then approved every action item 9-0.

• Chronic absenteeism drops to 8.5%, down from 10.4% last year and 28.1% in 2021-22
• Graduation rate projected at 92% for the class of 2026; AP pass rate hits a historic 52.4%
• Comprehensive high schools dominate the lowest-performing lists; a board member demands per-pupil funding data
• Pathways teacher says he lost his job after speaking at the board's June meeting; NTU representative urges program reform
• State names Newark a "high-performing district"; bell-to-bell phone ban starts Sept. 8

Why it matters: Newark once risked a state corrective action plan over absenteeism. Its rate is now roughly half the 16% state average cited at the meeting. Results on the new state graduation test, however, show a wide gap between graduating and being ready.