The Crisp County School System is reporting encouraging progress in reducing chronic absenteeism across the district during the first 96 days of the 2025–2026 school year. When comparing attendance data from August through January 2025 to the same period in August through January 2026, almost every school in the district demonstrated a reduction in chronic absenteeism.
This district-wide improvement reflects the collective efforts of students, families, teachers, administrators, and staff working together to prioritize consistent student attendance and engagement.
“This progress is a clear reflection of what can happen when a community rallies around its students and schools. Improving attendance is not the work of the school system alone, rather it is the result of students, families, teachers, administrators, and staff working together with a shared belief that every day matters. While we are encouraged by the gains made across our district, we remain committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring every student is present, engaged, and positioned for success. To the entire Crisp County community, Thank You. Together, we are creating a better Crisp County through education!” -Superintendent Dr. Brandon Williams
Among the highlights, the elementary school showed the greatest overall improvement, with a 12% reduction in chronic absenteeism, highlighting the impact of early intervention and attendance supports.
“I am extremely proud of the progress we have made in reducing chronic absenteeism during the first part of the 2025–2026 school year. A 12% reduction in chronic absenteeism is a meaningful step forward and reflects the intentional work taking place every day in our classrooms and across our school. This improvement would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, who consistently build relationships with students, monitor attendance, and provide support when challenges arise. I am equally proud of our students for their efforts to show up each day ready to learn, and I am grateful to our parents and families for partnering with us and reinforcing the importance of regular school attendance at home. We are proud of this achievement and remain committed to making even greater gains moving forward.” -Crisp County Elementary School Principal Felipe Ricardo
At the grade level, both 12th and 5th-grade students posted the highest grade-level growth, with individual grades showing a 15% improvement. While the district celebrated improvements across most schools, the middle school experienced an increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 31% to 33%.
Across the district, the system-wide chronic absenteeism rate improved by 7%. It is important to note that this system total reflects K–12 data only and does not include Pre-K, ensuring an accurate comparison aligned with state reporting practices.
Understanding Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism is calculated by identifying students who miss 10% or more of their total scheduled school days, whether absences are excused or unexcused. For example, in a traditional 180-day school year, a student who misses 18 or more days is considered chronically absent. Each student meeting this threshold contributes to their school’s and the district’s overall chronic absenteeism rate.
The Crisp County School System remains committed to continuing this positive momentum and fulfilling our vision of “Creating a better Crisp County through education!”
