Cypress Fairbanks ISD partners with Communities in Schools to improve student attendance

The Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) Board of Trustees convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss a potential partnership with Communities in Schools (CIS), a national organization dedicated to combating chronic absenteeism among students. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics indicating that 15 million students were absent from school last year, highlighting a pressing need for effective interventions.

CIS has a proven track record, having served over 1 million students annually in Texas alone. The organization operates within 3,460 schools nationwide, providing tailored support to address both academic and non-academic barriers faced by at-risk students. A recent Harvard University study revealed that improving attendance in high-poverty schools can significantly close the achievement gap, with CIS schools reporting an average increase of 46 school days attended per 100 students.

During the meeting, CFISD officials emphasized the importance of this partnership, particularly for Title I high schools, which serve economically disadvantaged populations. The proposed collaboration would allow CFISD to allocate Title I funds to hire student support specialists from CIS, who would work directly with students, families, and school staff to enhance attendance, academic performance, and behavioral outcomes. The specialists would be selected through a collaborative process involving campus administrators and CIS, ensuring that their roles align with the specific needs of each school.

Trustees expressed optimism about the potential impact of the program, noting that previous implementations of CIS have led to significant improvements in attendance and academic performance. For instance, schools that utilized CIS services reported a 76% improvement in attendance and a 90% improvement in academic outcomes. The board acknowledged that increased attendance not only benefits students but also has financial implications for the district, as higher attendance rates can lead to increased state funding.

The meeting also highlighted the flexibility of the CIS program, which allows principals to tailor the support provided based on their campus improvement plans. This adaptability is seen as a key strength, enabling schools to address unique challenges faced by their students.

In conclusion, the CFISD Board of Trustees is poised to move forward with the partnership with Communities in Schools, recognizing its potential to enhance student success and address critical attendance issues. The board plans to monitor the program's progress closely, with expectations for measurable improvements in attendance and academic performance in the coming months.