Tulsa Public Schools Announces New Initiative To Improve Attendance

Tulsa Public Schools has a new program to make sure more kids are coming to school.  

The district says it will be a community-wide effort to make sure fewer kids are absent from class. Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson says 20 percent of the kids in the state are chronically absent from school, but at Tulsa Public Schools, it's 40 percent. She says these numbers have to change, and they're going to need help from everyone.

"This year, we are making a solid stance with our families that we need their help; we want them to join in with us and ensure that their young people are in seats every day," she said.

Dr. Johnson says she knows some families struggle financially, and parents might work multiple jobs and aren't there to take their kids to school. But, on the flip side, they've also seen families taking vacations or just giving their kids a break from school.

The district is partnering with groups like Impact Tulsa to make sure parents have what they need.

"To ensure that if there needs to be bills paid, food supports, that we are connecting to all of the agencies, so we can help our families with that," Dr. Johnson said. 

Chronic absenteeism is when students miss two days or more a month or 16 days in the year. Mayor G.T. Bynum says the city provides free bus passes for students, offers mental health help, and pays for crossing guards to keep kids safe.

"I've heard more from Tulsans over the last several months asking me, 'What can I do to help improve outcomes at Tulsa Public Schools?' This is job one for us as a community right now, to improve educational outcomes, to make sure kids are getting to school," he said.

Dr. Johnson says improving attendance will not only show the state board of education they are serious about fixing issues within the district but also show parents it matters when their child is not in school.

"I think it will send a strong message to Superintendent Walters, to the board at the state level, and to all of Oklahoma that we take these matters seriously," she said.

The district has created a page on its website where parents and people can submit ideas to help improve. To view that website, CLICK HERE