Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) officials say new outreach efforts are helping reduce chronic absenteeism for the first time in several years. The update was first reported by Chalkbeat Tennessee, based on statements from Stacey Davis, the district’s director of attendance and enrollment.Nearly one-third of MSCS students were chronically absent in 2023-24. That means missing more than 18 school days in a year. Davis told board members in October that early attendance data suggests the chronic absenteeism rate may fall to about 26 percent this school year. State data shows absenteeism has grown each year since 2017, leaving MSCS with a higher rate than the Tennessee average. In 2023-24, the statewide rate was 18.9 percent, while MSCS stood at 29.6 percent.Students who are often absent face difficulty catching up with classwork. Research links chronic absence to reading struggles and later school dropout. Davis said kindergarten and high school grades need the most work on consistent attendance, reports Chalkbeat.
District expands attendance support
According to Chalkbeat, MSCS says it has made attendance a priority this year. A financial audit shows a $2.9 million commitment to reduce absenteeism. Davis said the district employs 78 attendance liaisons who work across multiple campuses to help improve daily reporting and follow up with families. The cost is about $4.4 million each year.The liaisons check for correct attendance entries and update family phone numbers. Davis said this helps ensure the district sends accurate records to the state, which uses the information to determine funding.
Door-knocking helps enrollment and attendance
The district has used home visits to reach families who have fallen out of touch with schools. MSCS enrollment has declined by 9 percent over the last decade. Leaders visited homes in several neighborhoods this summer. Davis told Chalkbeat that more than 1,000 students who were not registered signed up to return.Attendance in Frayser and South Memphis improved by about 5 percent compared to last year. Orange Mound saw a drop in attendance, from 78 percent to 63 percent. Davis said families shared a need for bus transportation and updated immunization records, which continue to be major barriers.
More transportation access planned
The school board has approved a plan to increase bus services for students who live within 2 miles of their school. District leaders say the plan responds to concerns raised by families and community members about safety and travel to school. Davis said the change may also help students attend school more often.Attendance liaisons are contacting parents when a student is marked absent. MSCS is also asking families to provide a note for any absence. Davis said the district wants parents to know that chronic absence includes both excused and unexcused time away from class.MSCS wants to improve daily attendance and reduce truancy by 2 percent this year.
