During the Pulaski County School Board meeting on September 9, 2025, significant discussions centered around student behavior and attendance, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance the educational environment and address challenges faced by students.

One of the primary topics was the categorization of student behaviors that disrupt academic progress and pose safety concerns. School officials outlined various behaviors, including scholastic dishonesty, unexcused tardiness, and actions that threaten the safety of students and staff, such as fighting and drug possession. The board noted an increase in incidents related to school operations, particularly refusals to comply with staff requests, which has raised concerns among educators.

In response to these challenges, the school district has implemented new detection systems and is exploring advanced AI software to monitor student behavior more effectively. This technology aims to alert school administrators to potential issues, particularly at the high school level, where incidents have been notably high among ninth graders. The board acknowledged that transitions from middle to high school can be difficult for students, contributing to behavioral challenges.

Attendance was another focal point of the meeting, with officials reporting a positive trend in overall attendance rates. The district has achieved a 94% attendance rate, surpassing last year's figures, and has successfully reduced chronic absenteeism by 7.3%. September is recognized as Attendance Awareness Month, and school leaders are actively working to improve attendance through various initiatives, including the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework. This approach categorizes students based on their attendance needs and provides tailored interventions to encourage regular school attendance.

The board emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with families to address truancy and chronic absenteeism. They highlighted the need for open communication and support systems to help students overcome barriers to attendance. The district is committed to fostering a positive school climate where students feel safe and engaged, ultimately aiming to enhance their educational experience.

As the school year progresses, the Pulaski County School Board remains focused on addressing these critical issues, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially within their schools.