Keep Kids in School Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 23, 2026
Bottom line
The Keep Kids in School Act aims to combat chronic absenteeism and enhance school safety by providing federal grants to local schools and commissioning a comprehensive study on effective interventions.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a federal grant program, administered by the Secretary of Education, to provide funds to State Educational Agencies (SEAs), which then award subgrants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs). These subgrants are intended to help public elementary and secondary schools reduce chronic absenteeism and foster safe learning environments through various activities, including hiring support staff, funding home visits, and improving data collection. Additionally, the bill mandates a study by the Comptroller General on chronic absenteeism and school safety interventions.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that chronic absenteeism is a significant barrier to student success and that this bill provides much-needed resources and flexibility for schools to address its root causes, such as mental health issues or lack of transportation. They contend that fostering safe learning environments is crucial for student well-being and academic achievement, and the bill's focus on evidence-based interventions and data collection will lead to effective, tailored solutions for vulnerable student populations.
Opponents contend
Critics may express concerns that this bill represents an expansion of federal involvement in local education, potentially leading to increased administrative burdens for states and districts without a guaranteed funding stream. They might argue that local issues like absenteeism are best addressed by local solutions and funding, and that a federal grant program, especially one without direct appropriations, may not be the most efficient or effective mechanism for systemic change.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and informed review by any interested reader.
Section 3(a)
Grant Program Authorization
This section authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to State Educational Agencies (SEAs). These SEAs will then distribute subgrants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to support public elementary and secondary schools. The primary goal of these funds is to reduce chronic absenteeism rates and create safer learning environments within these schools.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this grant program is essential for providing targeted financial assistance to states and local communities that are struggling with high rates of chronic absenteeism and the need for safer school environments. They believe that a federal framework can help standardize efforts and ensure resources reach the most vulnerable students.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that establishing a new federal grant program adds another layer of bureaucracy to education funding, potentially creating inefficiencies and administrative overhead for states and local districts. They may prefer block grants or more localized funding decisions.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the desire for federal support and guidance on critical issues like absenteeism and the preference for local control and flexibility in educational policy and funding. This provision attempts to balance these by providing federal funds through state and local channels.
Section 3(c)(2)
Authorized Uses of Funds by Local Educational Agencies
This provision outlines a range of activities that Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) can undertake with the subgrant funds. These activities include hiring support staff like counselors and social workers, providing stipends for teacher home visits, funding programs to address absenteeism and improve safety, covering transportation costs, and investing in data collection and research to understand absenteeism patterns and root causes. This flexibility allows LEAs to tailor interventions to their specific needs.
Section 4
Study on Chronic Absenteeism and Safe Learning Environments
This section mandates that the Comptroller General of the United States conduct a comprehensive study. The study will examine the prevalence and causes of chronic absenteeism and research the effectiveness of various evidence-based interventions in reducing absenteeism rates, improving student achievement, and enhancing student well-being. The findings and recommendations from this study are to be reported to key congressional committees and the Secretary of Education within one year.