Cracking down on school absenteeism in the state

We’ve seen great progress with public education in Mississippi over recent years.

Test scores have gone and the graduation rate has increased. One area remains a topic of concern. Chronic absenteeism or truancy is still a problem.

The legislature passed a bill to be more proactive on the issue.

WXXV News 25’s Dave Elliot spoke to Gulfport School Superintendent Glen East about the importance of regular attendance and how school districts deal with absenteeism.

Lawmakers are requiring school districts to adopt locally development student attendance policies by August 1 of this year.