Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty and Whitewater Middle School Assistant Principal Caitlin Dowden presented at the 2025 Wisconsin State Education Convention on January 22.

Their breakout session, titled “From Absenteeism to Engagement: Proven Strategies for Increasing School Attendance,” explored the role of school boards in addressing chronic absenteeism. “While many Wisconsin schools are dealing with chronic absenteeism, the circumstances leading to absences may be different for every family,” said Dr. Pate-Hefty. “We are able to take an engaging and solutions-focused look at improving student attendance. The panelists in the session shared innovative strategies and successful practices designed to enhance student engagement and reduce absenteeism.”

The Wisconsin State Education Convention, held January 22-24 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, drew more than 2,000 attendees. The event is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO), and the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA).