As we wrap up the week before MLK Day, there's positive movement on chronic absenteeism region-wide. All schools showed improvement in their chronic absence rates compared to last week, with particularly strong gains at DCHS (-1.75 percentage points) and KBC (-0.41 points). With the long weekend ahead, this feels like a solid note to end on.
At a Glance
| School | Enrollment | vs Oct 1 | Attendance | Chronic Absent | Δ Week | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REGION | 1,059 | -25 (-2.3%) | 95.6% | 147 (13.9%) | -0.46 | On Track |
| BCPS | 266 | -8 (-2.9%) | 96.0% | 18 (6.8%) | -0.06 | Strong |
| DCHS | 226 | -3 (-1.3%) | 94.4% | 42 (18.6%) | -1.75 | Watch |
| DELA | 465 | -10 (-2.1%) | 94.9% | 82 (17.6%) | -0.14 | Watch |
| KBC | 102 | -4 (-3.8%) | 96.9% | 5 (4.9%) | -0.41 | Strong |
This Week's Focus: Chronic Absence Momentum
The week brought encouraging news on the chronic absence front, with every building showing improvement from their previous rates. DCHS made the most significant progress, dropping from 20.3% to 18.6% chronic absence — still above our comfort zone but moving in the right direction. The Attendance Dashboard shows this represents actual daily attendance improvements, not just statistical noise.
Both Blytheville campuses continue to outperform: KBC holds at an impressive 4.9% chronic absence rate (down from 5.3%), while BCPS maintains their strong 6.8% rate. DELA's modest improvement to 17.6% keeps them in the middle range. Region-wide, we're now at 13.9% of students chronically absent — within acceptable bounds and trending positively heading into the new semester.
Perfect attendance students remain strong at 158 region-wide, representing 14.9% of enrollment. This core group of highly engaged students provides a solid foundation as we work to move the middle on chronic absence rates.
Weekly Highlights
Enrollment: Network holds at 1,059 students, down 25 from October 1 (-2.3%). This attrition rate remains typical for mid-year patterns, with no dramatic changes this week.
Staffing: Today's coverage showed 14 staff out (8.4% absence rate), with one pending approval at DCHS. Notable this week: Casey Aguilar joined BCPS as a substitute on Wednesday, and Dorian Berry started as an Instructional Assistant at DCHS on Saturday. Staff Dashboard shows solid coverage for Tuesday's return.
Teacher Compliance: Mixed results with BCPS achieving perfect 100% compliance today, while DCHS and KBC struggled at 51% and 48% respectively. DELA maintained strong 77% compliance. The three-day weekend provides a reset opportunity.
Family Contact: Strong connectivity at 99.7% of families reachable by email or phone, with only 3 students region-wide lacking contact information.
Still Watching
- DCHS chronic absence: Improved to 18.6% but still elevated. Progress is encouraging heading into Q3.
Calendar Reminders
Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day — no school. Tuesday brings the Q2 Report Card Night and early dismissal for professional development. PAR forms are due to Finance for multi-funded employees.
That's the week. Solid attendance momentum, stable operations, and good positioning for the Q3 push. See you Tuesday evening.
— Data Team