LISBON – The School Committee was told Monday night that chronic absences by high school students have dropped from about 30 percent in 2016-17 to about 21 percent this school year.

“It’s nice to see that we have a downward trend, despite the large percentage,” Lisbon High School Principal Susan Magee said.

Chronic absences are defined as missing more than 10 full school days.

“These are mostly unexcused, but (the Department of Education) does take into consideration some of the excused days as well,” Magee said.

The $16.4 million school budget for 2018-19 will be voted on by the Town Council at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Town Office.

The final vote on the budget is set for June 12 at the polls.