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Duval County Public Schools leaders launch campaign to improve student attendance

The campaign is aimed at increasing student attendance rates, after the superintendent said that DCPS leads the state in low attendance rates.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval Schools Superintendent Chris Bernier is concerned over the districts truancy rates, saying DCPS leads the state in the number of students absences. This is why he and other leaders announced the Show up to Shine campaign, aimed at getting students in the classroom and keeping them there.

Bernier said Duval leads the sate of Florida in the percentage of students who are habitually truant.

Looking at data provided by the district, for the 2022-23 school year, 42% of students were considered chronic absentees, meaning they missed 10% or more school days. It’s nearly double the 25% rate from 2018-19.

“We understand there are various reasons why students may struggle with attendance, from health to family challenges. 'Show up to Shine' will provide a steady stream of activities and incentives to help address these barriers," Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said.

Leaders explained at a press conference the campaign will included things like:

Leaders also talked about establishing a model truancy court in Jacksonville.

“It’s a step we would only take after all other avenues have been exhausted including services offered at the school and district level," Circuit Court Judge Michael Khalil said.

DCPS Parent Katie Hathaway believes the campaign is a good step, but she's concerned about brining a truancy court to the district.

“Kids needs to be in their seats to learn and attendance is an issue and it’s very important so I appreciate this topic being discussed today," Katie Hathaway, a DCPS parent, said. "But what we can’t do is criminalize of shame parents over this.

Bernier also called on the community to volunteer to be a bus driver, to help fill the nearly 60 driver positions open across the district.

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