The Washoe County School District recently released data showing nearly 40% of high school students are failing at least one subject, and almost a quarter are failing in two. Superintendent Kristen McNeill said on Friday that a significant number of students are failing even more than two classes.

“14% of our students were failing three courses or more, and that’s not easy to take. If a family feels that their student is struggling, I urge that family to get connected with the school,” McNeill said.

Sessions will be offered during spring break to help these students and an intensive summer school session is in the works.

Also, the number of students missing 18 days or more of school, known as chronic absenteeism, has tripled district-wide from the previous year. Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, and American Indian students are experiencing much higher rates of chronic absenteeism than their white counterparts.

This article was written by Isaac Hoops for KUNR Public Radio and was published on March 1, 2021.

The story was shared with Noticiero Móvil thanks to our partnership with KUNR Public Radio.