Lawrence County reports drop in chronic absenteeism, expects state recognition

District Director Mister Atkins reported to the Lawrence County School Board on Nov. 28 that chronic absenteeism declined from 4.3% (reported Oct. 20, 2025) to 3.6% a month later following district attendance efforts and incentives.

Atkins said the State Department of Education would release recognitions for the 2024–25 academic year the next day and the district anticipates being designated for reward recognition. "We really can't go into that information now because that has not been officially released," Atkins said, noting an embargo on the official list. He said that once letter grades are released after Thanksgiving, the district will share results publicly.

Atkins highlighted the district's attendance incentive program and said the district expects to hand out nearly 5,400 donuts to students who have four or fewer absences this year, and that daily attendance has increased by 56% since recognition efforts began. He also updated the board on behavioral-intervention staffing the board approved last month and said administrators report declines in problem behaviors where interventions have been implemented.

Atkins additionally informed the board that Loretta High School staff and students would have an excused absence the following day to attend visitation and funeral services for longtime educator Toby Dunn. "Loretta High School will be out tomorrow to be a part of the visitation and funeral," Atkins said.

The board did not vote on the attendance program; Atkins presented the operational results and reiterated ongoing work with parents and staff to sustain attendance gains.