School District Launches Attendance Campaign

During these financially difficult times, parents often ask, “How can I help?” Here is one way:

When students miss school, they miss important instruction. In addition, when students are absent, the PYLUSD does not receive State funding for that day—regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused. So you can see, every day counts! Simply by increasing school attendance by 1%, the PYLUSD would receive more than $1 million. This amount would make a huge difference in saving student programs and services during the State’s fiscal crisis.

“Every Day Counts” when it comes to instruction; financially it makes a difference to our district as well. The district receives a full day’s revenue if a student is present all day or any portion of the day. You can help: if a family trip or medical appointment is necessary, please bring your child to school for part of the day so he/she can be counted. If your child is ill, PLEASE KEEP THEM HOME TO GET WELL.

How much State revenue can the PYLUSD gain? 96% attendance 25,847 students x 96% x $5,240 = $130,020,748 97% attendance 25,847 students x 97% x $5,240 = $131,375,131 +$1,354,383 Every 1% gain = $1.3 million

Every Day Counts!

 

What could a school district do with an additional $1 million? The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District is eager to find out as it embarks this year on an “Every Day Counts” attendance campaign.

“During these financially difficult times, parents often ask, ‘How can I help’,” said Superintendent Dennis Smith. “Here is one way that doesn’t cost any money and benefits students.”

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District is asking the community to join in a campaign which centers on the simple act of having children attend school.

Why? The State of California funds school districts based on student attendance, not on the number of students enrolled in the school district. Average Daily Attendance (ADA) determines the revenue that a school district receives.

Currently, ADA in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District averages 95 to 96 percent. Every one percent increase would bring in an additional $1 million from the State of California.

In addition, the school district receives a full day’s revenue even if a student is present only a portion of the day. A school does not receive funding for any full-day’s absence—excused or unexcused.

“Of course, we would want students in attendance all day, but we also understand that on occasion, families need to take their children to doctor’s appointments or family trips,” Smith said. “It would be helpful if, when possible, families schedule these events outside of the school day or if the student could attend class for a portion of the day.”

He also emphasized that if students are sick they should remain at home.

Attendance impacts more than school funding. “Students miss essential instruction. That’s really the heart of the matter—it’s about helping students,” Smith said. “In the end, this campaign is not about generating revenue but about generating revenue that can provide more services for students.”

Schools are in the process of developing student incentives and school-by-school attendance programs. If you would like to help at your local school, please contact the principal.