Includes whereas clauses. Directs the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to establish the Student Attendance Early Intervention Pilot Program (program) in select public schools to reduce chronic absenteeism beginning with the 2026-27 fiscal year and ending with the 2027-28 fiscal year. Allows all public school units to apply and requires DPI to select one unit and the schools within to participate in the program. Lists four criteria for selection, including a 15,000 student limit, diversity of student demographics, prioritization of schools with above average chronic absenteeism, and consideration of the unit's and school's resources. Directs DPI to select a vendor to work with the schools in the program by September 15, 2026, offering a research-proven attendance intervention solution, as described. Requires program implementation by January 1, 2027, including designation of a local program coordinator and staff training. Describes six requirements for implementation of the attendance system, including attendance monitoring and early warning indicators, automated two-way communication with families, data dashboards for educators and administrators, and safeguards for data privacy.

Appropriates $75,000 from the General Fund to DPI for 2026-27 to implement the program. Authorizes DPI to contract with a selected vendor to provide services to selected public school units or allocate funds to selected public school units to contract with the selected vendor. Specifies that funds remain available until June 30, 2028. Allows DPI and selected units to supplement State funds for the program with eligible federal or philanthropic funding. Lists four permitted purposes for use of appropriated funds, including technology acquisition and licensing, and training and professional development.

Directs that program implementation should align with the technical architecture of the selected intervention solution. Specifies that reporting is to be conducted at the unit and school level and DPI should aggregate results across participating schools.

Directs DPI to report to the specified NCGA committee by February 1, 2028. Specifies required content. 

Effective July 1, 2026.