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Polk reports improved attendance and expanded outreach; 14 facilitators lead home visits and referrals
Summary
Assistant director of attendance reported increased outreach capacity (14 facilitators, bilingual contact center) and improved quarter‑one attendance to 93.4%; the team described 607 home visits to date this year, a multi‑tier approach tied to referrals (Hazel Health, youth family advocates) and district hearings to remove barriers for chronically absent students.
Polk County Schools officials told the board on Nov. 18 they continue to expand district outreach and wraparound services aimed at improving student attendance.
Mister Rosser, assistant director of attendance, said the community outreach unit now has 14 facilitators (including six bilingual staff) and a bilingual call‑center staffer, down from earlier staffing configurations. He described a three‑pronged approach—community outreach, attendance intervention and truancy processes—triggered at different absence thresholds (5 days within a 30‑day period for early intervention; 15–90 days for truancy/habitual absence).
Rosser said the department has carried out roughly 42,000 contacts over recent school years and reported about 607 home visits through early November of the current year. He credited those efforts and cross‑departmental interventions with district progress: 80 schools improved attendance last year and quarter‑one attendance this year reached 93.4%, the highest quarter‑one figure in five years. Chronic absenteeism was defined in the presentation as missing more than 21 days in the school year.
The attendance team described new data practices, including a communication log that captures parent‑reported reasons for absences to better target services. Staff also said they can now submit referrals to services such as Hazel Health on behalf of parents to reduce barriers. Rosser noted that district hearings and case staffings have led to improved attendance for many students, with 26 of 30 district hearings last year resulting in removals from the chronic list and improved attendance.
Board members praised the 'boots on the ground' approach, asked about facilitator placement (strategically placed based on need and bilingual availability), and sought clarity on case closure and follow‑up; Rosser said the department maintains cases and monitors ongoing progress through reporting systems.
Next steps: staff will continue to refine reporting, increase targeted home visits, and provide requested reports to board members on placement strategies and follow‑up procedures.
