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Superintendent: 800 families signed up for summer meals; absenteeism falls below 30%
Summary
The superintendent told the Lincoln County Board of Education that about 800 families are enrolled in the district's summer feeding program, chronic absenteeism has fallen from about 43% in 2022–23 to below 30% this year, and the new Duvall school remains on track for late‑year completion.
The superintendent told the Lincoln County Board of Education on June 2 that the district has "conservatively 800 families signed up for the summer feeding program," with meals prepared by district cooks and distributed as weekly non‑congregate meal boxes at four sites including Harts, Midway, West Hamlin and the central office. The superintendent credited staff work and singled out Kayla Atkins for organizing the effort.
The superintendent reported progress on chronic absenteeism, saying the rate was about 43% in the 2022–23 school year and has trended downward each year. "This year we're below 30%," the superintendent said, and the district has set a goal to reach below 20% in coming years. Average daily attendance is approximately 90% across the district.
On enrollment, the superintendent and district staff reported that 170 students graduated in the most recent class, home‑school enrollment stands at 298, and 110 students are using the Hope Scholarship this year, up from about 40 last year. Prekindergarten enrollment showed a projected decline from 189 this past year to 136 for the incoming year; the board noted those numbers could change before school begins.
The board also received an update on the Duvall school construction project. The superintendent said work is "pretty well on track," noting minor cosmetic setbacks such as an incorrect wall plaque that was being corrected. Gym equipment, including six adjustable basketball baskets and a scoreboard, has been installed; playground construction will be phased, and plans include an almost regulation football field. The superintendent said students should be able to tour the facility once it reaches substantial completion, estimating openings around Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Board members praised recent professional development offerings for teachers and ECAT staff, crediting Miss Shortridge and her team for sessions on classroom management, dyslexia and writing prompts scheduled over the week. The superintendent noted the board will receive updated monthly attendance reports if members request them.
The superintendent's remarks were informational; no formal board action was taken on the program, attendance targets, enrollment projections or the Duvall project during the meeting. The board adjourned the session with next regular meeting set for June 30, 2026.
