Bastrop ISD attendance remains below prepandemic numbers

Bastrop ISD is averaging a 92% attendance rate for the 2023-24 school year—lower than the district’s prepandemic average of 94%.

While the district saw some recovery over the first semester, illness following the winter break brought attendance back down, BISD Chief Financial Officer Dina Edgar said at the March 19 board meeting.

“Most school districts across the country are still experiencing this phenomenon,” Edgar said. “It is not new to Texas or to Bastrop ISD.”

The report presented March 19 was part of the 2024-25 budget development update.

What it means

Average daily attendance, along with total student enrollment, are considered when the state decides how much funding each district receives.

“Similar to last year, one of the most significant factors impacting this year’s budget is average daily attendance,” Edgar said.

Officials said the district will continue to budget for lower-than-expected attendance for the 2024-25 school year.