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Riverview High principal says chronic absenteeism reached 59% in 2024–25, outlines steps to improve outcomes
Summary
Principal Jim McGuire reported a 59% chronic absenteeism rate for 2024–25, linked to flood-related disruptions and remote geography, and described steps including benchmark testing, SAT practice, credit recovery, attendance incentives and tighter ties to Career Technical Center programs.
Jim McGuire, principal of Riverview High School, delivered a state-of-school report detailing academic results and attendance challenges. He said the district's final chronic absenteeism number for 2024–25 was 59 percent, noting the figure reflects flood-related missed weeks and transportation barriers in remote communities.
McGuire described multiple interventions: daily SAT-skills practice for 11th graders, four benchmark assessments during the year, expanded credit-recovery monitoring, closer collaboration with the CTC to require applications and prioritize students who will succeed, and attendance-linked incentives (events and activity eligibility). "When you miss six weeks of school, there is no way..." McGuire said, explaining how extended absences lower test results and mastery. He projected math could increase 6% and English 7% with the current interventions and set a target to substantially lower chronic absenteeism by year-end.
McGuire also discussed dual-credit and CTC options—multiple dual-credit math, biology and chemistry offerings, and an existing MOU with Bluefield State and West Virginia State. He emphasized that, where possible, the county helps cover course fees and expensive textbooks for students who take dual-credit classes through the district.
