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:
- Increasing the number of student and parent engagement events.
- Partnering with local businesses to create programs that provide incentives for student attendance.
- Equipping DCPS mental health counselors with the tools they need to make necessary referrals.
- Blue Zones Project will provide resources including the walking school bus to ensure safe and supervised walks from students to and from school.
- City Year Jacksonville will engage their AmeriCorps Members to help with student mentorship, and allow members to do parent phone call.
- Read USA will provide 1-1 tutoring, family engagement events, books fairs, other events to enhance student engagement in schools.
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.