As Mississippi continues to battle spiking chronic absenteeism rates, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann is taking time to recognize the schools where keeping kids inside the classroom isn’t as big of an issue.
On Monday, Hosemann announced 130 schools as recipients of the “Lieutenant Governor’s Attendance Award” for maintaining strong student attendance rates and chronic absenteeism rates of 15% or lower.
“Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic and life-long success,” Hosemann stated. “Chronic absenteeism is rampant in our state. These schools, their teachers, and families are making daily efforts to ensure students are present and learning. Their hard work deserves recognition.”
According to a recent report from the Mississippi Department of Education, chronic absenteeism – defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences and suspensions – surged by more than 3% in the 2024-25 school year compared to the 2023-24 school year. The updated rate of 27.6% means more than 120,000 public school students are missing a significant amount of time in the classroom.
Hosemann, among other lawmakers, is aiming to reintroduce legislation during the upcoming session to reduce chronic absenteeism in Mississippi. Some of his ideas in the past has included the restriction of cell phones and encouraging a modified academic calendar.
A full list of schools that received the “Lieutenant Governor’s Attendance Award” can be found here.
