December 14, 2023

SALINAS—The Salinas City Elementary School District is celebrating a victory in its fight against chronic absenteeism, achieving a 10-percent reduction in the rate of students missing 10 or more school days, compared to the previous school year.

This positive trend comes after implementing a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes student well-being and family engagement, as well as collaboration with other districts and the Monterey County Office of Education to understand the root causes of chronic absenteeism, and work towards ensuring students come to school.

“It is really encouraging, and significant, to see the decline, and it speaks to the collective efforts of everyone in our District,” says Superintendent Dr. Rebeca Andrade. “Everyone, from our school office staff, our bus drivers and our teachers and principals, is having a say in how our students feel connected to their schools, ensuring students feel safe and that they belong in their classrooms.”

The District's initial efforts concentrated on:

• Early identification and intervention: Utilizing data to pinpoint students at risk of chronic absenteeism and providing targeted support, including home visits and social-emotional learning programs.
• Addressing underlying causes: Partnering with community organizations to tackle transportation issues, food insecurity, and family health concerns that can contribute to missed school days.
• Building a positive school climate: Fostering a sense of belonging and engagement through enriching activities, cultural celebrations, and student-led initiatives.
• Strengthening communication: Maintaining clear and open communication with families through regular updates, multilingual resources, and parent-teacher conferences.

In the 2021-2022 school year, the District experienced a nearly 36-percent rate of chronic absenteeism, meaning 36 percent of the District’s students missed ten or more days in the school year. In the 2022-2023 school year thus far, that rate has dropped to 26 percent.

This ongoing focus and resulting progress is a testament to the dedication of the District's educators, staff, and community partners. The Salinas City Elementary School District remains committed to building upon this momentum and ensuring all students have the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and engaging learning environment.

For more information, please contact Mary Duan, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, at mary.duan@salinascity.k12.ca.us