Board proclaims September Attendance Awareness Month and Smart Start Month

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners adopted two proclamations on Aug. 18 recognizing September as Attendance Awareness Month and September as Smart Start Month.

Representatives with Read to Grow and the Partnership for Children addressed the board. Read to Grow described an attendance awareness campaign that includes a countywide poster contest, attendance flyers sent home with students and end‑of‑year incentives for four target elementary schools (Benson, Selma, South Smithfield and West Smithfield). Read to Grow staff reported reductions in chronic absenteeism at those target schools: Benson from about 29.84% to 17.07%, Selma from 27.27% to 22.37%, South Smithfield from 31.71% to 24.95% and West Smithfield from 32.9% to 30.59% (figures provided by presenters and described as coming from target schools).

Partnership for Children staff requested recognition of Smart Start Month, describing Smart Start’s role in supporting early childhood programs, provider training and a local childcare academy that produced 14 hires last fiscal year. The board adopted both proclamations by voice vote.

Why it matters: Commissioners and presenters emphasized the role of consistent attendance and early childhood supports in long‑term educational outcomes. Staff described attendance flyers, school‑by‑school outreach and incentives designed to improve early‑year attendance and third‑grade readiness.

Ending: The board adopted the proclamations and encouraged residents to participate in Read to Grow programs and Smart Start activities during September.