Partnership offers $500 school attendance incentive in Selma

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Selma families who live in public housing — now have a $500 dollar incentive — to help schools improve student attendance.

Officials with the Selma Housing Authority — the city of Selma — and Selma City Schools — announced the attendance incentive award Wednesday afternoon at Selma High School.

“Each of us are committed to making sure our scholars are afforded a high quality education,” said school superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd.

“Their daily presence in the classroom will lead to improvement in their grades, increasing test scores and a decrease in chronic absenteeism for the school district.”

“It is important that our children be present in order to learn. And it is important that parents be engaged in that process,” said Mayor James Perkins, Jr.

Students who live in GWC — Rangedale — Valley Creek — and Felix Heights apartments — are eligible to win. One winner will be selected from each complex — in the months of February, March, April, August and September.

“And parents who have children in the public school system who have perfect attendance for that month, they will be entered into a raffle each month, and have an opportunity to win $500 dollars,” said SHA President & CEO Kennard Randolph.

The goal of the incentive is to ensure students are in school — and on time — everyday.

“Reducing truancy reduces crime,” said Perkins.

“Reducing crime improves the quality of our neighborhoods and our community.”

For more information about the attendance incentive award — call the Selma Housing Authority at 334-874-6271.