Schools Launch Innovative Campaign to Boost Attendance

In a recent government meeting, key discussions centered around improving student attendance and the approval of the annual audit work plan for the upcoming school year. The meeting began with a public comment expressing concerns about school needs, followed by the approval of the second reading of the proposed annual audit work plan for 2024-2025, presented by district internal auditor Kelly Kwan. The motion for approval was unanimously passed by the board.

The highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Associate Superintendent Theresa Marquez on attendance best practices. Marquez emphasized the importance of understanding the district's demographics, which includes approximately 20,000 students, to effectively address attendance issues. She noted that attendance is crucial for student success and that the district has an obligation to remove barriers that affect attendance, such as socioeconomic status and cultural background.

Marquez shared data indicating a chronic absenteeism rate of 23.9% for the 2022-2023 school year, slightly higher than the county average but lower than the state average. She pointed out that attendance is not merely a statistic but is tied to students' social-emotional well-being and overall engagement in school. The district is implementing a comprehensive attendance improvement plan, which includes professional development for staff and community involvement initiatives aimed at fostering a welcoming environment for students.

Blasa Osuna, a parent community involvement specialist, elaborated on the attendance awareness campaign launched in September, which included various activities designed to engage students and encourage attendance. The campaign was well-received, with significant participation from both students and staff, leading to an increase in attendance rates at the start of the school year.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the need for ongoing efforts to maintain attendance awareness throughout the school year, particularly during periods when attendance typically declines, such as around the holidays. Board members expressed support for the initiatives and acknowledged the importance of creating a sense of belonging for students to improve attendance outcomes.