BESE and LDOE plan dedicated attendance team, schedule truancy sessions at Teacher Leaders Summit

Board members discussed a stepped‑up state effort on attendance and truancy at the April 9 BESE meeting, including a new LDOE team and a series of summit sessions aimed at judicial, district and school leaders.

Dr. Clark (BESE member) introduced the topic, and Superintendent Brumley said the Louisiana Department of Education will form a three‑person team to oversee statewide attendance work and move that work under the operations group “so we can explore additional funding sources.” Dr. Brumley said that shift is intended to bring attendance work closer to budgeting and support.

Dr. Brumley and Dr. Singleton (LDOE) described three sessions on attendance scheduled for Thursday, June 12, the last day of this year’s Teacher Leaders Summit (now set for April 10–12). The sessions will run sequentially, each seating 96 attendees, and will include panels focused on best practices with the judicial system, local attendance teams (a session led with Jefferson Parish), and use of the Families in Need of Services (FINS) program as a tool, with Calcasieu Parish identified as a partner in that session.

Board members thanked staff for convening partners including the governor's Children's Cabinet, judicial representatives and district leaders. Miss Champine praised the cross‑agency coordination and singled out staff leads Sabra Kingdom and others for their work. Several board members noted the complexity of attendance work across 64 parishes and the benefit of dedicating staff time to the effort.

Dr. Brumley said LDOE will provide invites and logistics for the June 12 sessions and keep the board updated on staffing and next steps.

The discussion did not include a formal vote; it was a staff and member report and direction to continue planning.