A closer look
In a news release by the district on Oct. 11, CISD superintendent Brad Hunt, Ph.D., explained the motivation behind this campaign and the importance of consistent student attendance. The campaign will last for 12 weeks, during which time the district will send attendance facts and messages to parents and students.
Hunt noted that the district is not encouraging any student who feels sick or unwell to attend school, but is encouraging students and parents to seek guidance from the district's trained counselors for support, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental health in regards to academic performance.
Schools across the nation have been struggling with low attendance rates, the news release said, and that habitual truancy can inhibit academic growth. Coppell ISD had an attendance rate of 96.7% in 2018, which was consistent until 2020. After the pandemic attendance rates have decreased to 95.4% in 2022 and 95.6% in 2023. For every 1% reduction in attendance rates, the district loses about $900,000 in funding, according to Director of Communications Amanda Simpson.
Coppell ISD's attendance policy requires students bring a note within 3 days of their return to school, and the district can file truancy after a student's 10th unexcused absence.
The basic allotment in Texas, which is the amount of money provided to the district per student who meets the attendance threshold, is currently $6,160. This means that low attendance rates can negatively impact the district's overall funding.
Quote of note
"Working together, we are committed to creating profound learning experiences for each child, while nurturing meaningful relationships, to positively impact the world. We do that one student and one day at a time," Hunt said.
