Selma City Schools implements chronic absenteeism initiative

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Chronic Absenteeism is a major issue in school districts all around the country.

Selma City Schools has implemented a year-long initiative to try and mitigate the problem.

The new initiative rewards the students at the school with the highest daily student attendance average each month.

Sophia P. Kingston Elementary School achieved the honor for the month of September.

All 303 students were treated to a free movie at Walton Theater Selma.

“Ninety-five percent or more of their scholars were present in school everyday for the whole month of September,” said SCS Truancy Coordinator Dr. Alisa Smiley-Rudolph.

School officials say chronic absenteeism can have a negative impact on a student’s academic success — and a school district’s state report card — and its state funding.