September 3, 2014
The need to increase student attendance in Central Texas schools was the focus of a rally on Sept. 3 at the Long Center for Performing Arts organized by local nonprofit E3 Alliance.
Austin ISD Interim Superintendent Paul Cruz was among the educators, school board members and members of the local business community who came together for the rally.
“That’s a great thing about Austin, that we’re all focused on one outcome: making sure that all kids learn and succeed. We know we can do it. We can’t do it alone,” Cruz said.
The goal of E3’s Missing School Matters campaign is to increase attendance by three days per student per year to improve academic outcomes and to increase the amount of funding going to Central Texas schools, President and Executive Director Susan Dawson said.
Schools receive funding from the state based on how many students attend school each day. When a student misses one day of class, the district loses about $40, according to E3.
To read more:
Community Impact News: Rally Draws Attention to School Attendance Campaign