District reports higher attendance, lower chronic absenteeism; special education and preschool counts updated

Preston County Schools reported progress on attendance and updates on special education on May 11. Angie Zofchek, director of attendance and student support, said countywide average daily attendance has increased compared with the previous three-year period and chronic absenteeism is the lowest recorded in that span. Zofchek outlined school-level changes—several elementary schools and the high school showed gains in average daily attendance and decreases in chronic absenteeism—and described intervention practices that include student support teams, outreach materials, automated calls and court filings where required.

Special education director Janna (Janna/Jiana) Miller told the board 739 students qualified for special education services in the October formal count. Miller reported the district received a $19,978 Guidepost to Graduation grant used to fund a job coach position at Preston High School that supports student job placements at sites such as Camp Dawson, the animal shelter and the CTE store; the district has applied for the grant again for the next year.

Zofchek and board members discussed patterns in chronic absenteeism by school and the possible linkage between improved attendance and ELA/math proficiency gains at several schools. Zofchek noted increased McKinney-Vento (homelessness) counts and more students moving through the MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) process. She emphasized continued collaboration with outside agencies including CPS, community corrections and the department of human services.

What happens next: Staff will check the function and reporting ability of the automated parent-contact system and provide requested comparisons between calls made and absenteeism metrics. The board will receive continuing monthly principal reports and regular updates about MTSS audits and targeted supports.

Quote: “We are at the highest we have been on average daily attendance and the lowest so far in chronic absenteeism,” Angie Zofchek told the board.

Ending: District staff said they will follow up with reporting on call logs and further details on MTSS audit progress and preschool enrollment patterns ahead of the next meeting.