Gatesville principals outline incentives, accountability and transportation steps to boost attendance

Campus leaders told the board about a mix of incentives and accountability measures intended to improve student attendance across the district.

Speakers described campus-specific approaches: primary grades used activities such as a snowball-fight reward and classroom contests; elementary grades used ice-cream-coupon surprises and character awards; intermediate and junior-high campuses used monthly rewards, popcorn and additional recess; secondary incentives include perfect-attendance drawings, fire tablets and final-exam exemption policies for students with fewer than seven absences. Several campuses also described attendance-recovery sessions and an expectation that juniors and seniors who habitually miss early periods should not be granted late arrival privileges.

Transportation staff (Speaker 10) said the district will provide van rides when students miss a bus, citing a recent example where a junior-high student was picked up by van to avoid an absence. Speaker 10 also updated the board on converting hazardous highway stops in outlying communities (Flats and Turnersville) to community stops at churches or community centers; about 15–20 students now use the Flats community stop and parent and driver feedback has been positive.

Speaker 12 suggested more punitive make-up-day scheduling (Saturday makeup) to increase compliance; staff observed they will balance rewards with accountability and continue parental outreach for third-day absences. The board heard the updates and did not take separate action beyond receiving the reports.