Regardless of what strategies school leaders use to improve learning, one thing is for certain: Students must be present to receive that learning. Student attendance is a critical issue for many schools across the country, and in this episode we discuss the assistant principal's role in tackling chronic absenteeism.

Donna McGuire is moderator for the NAESP Assistant Principal Community of Practice, and serves as assistant principal at Park Terrace School in New York City.

Sonia Matthew is assistant principal of Mary B. Neal Elementary School in Waldorf, Maryland, and a 2025 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal.

D’Metria Alston is assistant principal of Wilder Elementary School in Westerville, Ohio.

Join us this April to celebrate National Assistant Principals Week! Visit naesp.org/APWeek to learn more.