SYCAMORE – The truancy rate for DeKalb County students likely will double after changes to state law are implemented that redefined chronic truants.

The number of unexcused absences before students are considered chronically truant will drop from 18 to nine.

Derek Avery, regional superintendent of education for DeKalb County, told the DeKalb County Board Health and Human Services Committee that truancy is a growing problem. His annual report showed there were 265 truants, 62 chronic truants and 288 potential dropouts in county schools last year.