Local school recognized for reducing chronic absenteeism

Contributed Photo
Having fun while learning is a big part of the daily plan at LES, which has been recognized for its efforts at curbing chronic absenteeism. Shown are Paislee Smith, Marleigh Catlett, Dalton Tingle and AdyLea Dixon posing with the water wheels they crafted in Ms. Liane Courtney’s 4th grade Science class as a part of their study of the water cycle.

Leakesville Elementary among schools touted by Lt. Gov. Hosemann for attendance success

From Staff Reports
A Greene County school was recognized recently when Lt. Governor Hosemann singled out 175 schools and 12 school districts across Mississippi for posting chronic absenteeism of 15 percent or less during the 2023-2024 school year.
Leakesville Elementary School earned the recognition and received a “Lt. Governor’s Attendance Award” and letter honoring their achievement.
Hosemann has identified tackling chronic absenteeism in Mississippi schools as a priority for the 2025 Legislative Session. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing more than 18 days (10 percent) of the school year for any reason including excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions.
“We are honored to be recognized for this accomplishment, especially in a rural county where a myriad of factors can hinder regular attendance,” LES Principal CharLee Cook said. “I attribute this achievement to a focused effort by our staff to see and hear every student, to love and grow every student, and to make school fun, a place that kids want to be, a place where they know they’re loved and, in turn, love to learn.”
Mississippi’s chronic absenteeism rate for the 2023-2024 school year was 24.4 percent. While the rate is lower than some other states, it is still more than 10 percentage points above the state’s 13 percent rate during the 2018-2019 school year.
“The goal should be for every school in Mississippi to reach its pre-pandemic rate, and then keep trending downward. When children are in the classroom, they are safe and they are learning,” Hosemann said. “This award is meant to celebrate schools concentrating on bringing their attendance rates up and encourage others to set the same goal.”
Hosemann has cited several possible solutions to address chronic absenteeism in the 2025 Session including:
n Restricting the use of cellphones in public schools, which has been shown in recent years to severely impact student mental health, particularly during classroom instruction. Some other states and school districts in Mississippi have already implemented policies banning or restricting the use of cellphones in schools;
n Moving school attendance officers from MDE to district-level supervision to encourage better personal relationships between the district, parents, students, the wider community, courts, and law enforcement;
n Increasing school attendance officer salaries. School attendance officers start at $24,528.29 in Mississippi; and
n Encouraging low-performing schools, which often have high chronic absenteeism rates, to consider moving to a modified calendar. A modified calendar more evenly disperses school days throughout the year, provides more short breaks during the school year, and shortens the summer, when students often experience learning loss.
LES was the only Greene County school earning the honor. Other schools in the area making the list include Richton Elementary and Buckatunna, Clara, Wayne Central and Riverview elementary schools in Wayne County.
“We are incredibly proud to have one of our schools recognized by Lt. Governor Hosemann for its low absenteeism,” Greene County Supt. of Education Charles Breland said. “This recognition reflects the dedication of parents in making sure that students are present each day.”
“When students attend school regularly, they not only advance academically but also build essential skills such as responsibility, time management, and teamwork—skills that are crucial for success in the workforce and beyond. We remain committed to improving attendance across our district and hope to see more schools on the list next time.”
To learn more about Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, visit www.ltgovhosemann.ms.gov.