Staff Report

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. –The District celebrated its inaugural Attendance Symposium on Sept. 30, at the Faith Center in Ft. Lauderdale. Over 900 educators, community-based agencies, community leaders, faith-based community representatives, law enforcement, elected officials, parents, and students participated.

Superintendent Robert W. Runcie, along with keynote speaker Hedy Chang, Founder and CEO of Attendance Works, shared information on the critical importance of regular school attendance and how chronic absenteeism impacts the entire community.

“Broward County Public Schools partners with parents and the community to ensure the success of our students.

Today’s collaborative event is part of our ongoing efforts to highlight the importance of regular school attendance,” said Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “We will continue to outline strategies and solutions to increase the educational out- comes for our students.

During the event, discussions also highlighted the direct correlation be- tween academic achievement and student attendance, while developing strategies for addressing and reducing chronic student absenteeism and sup- porting schools, educating parents and creating partnerships with the community. District staff participated in panel discussions and shared the District’s efforts to identify the core issues impacting student attendance and develop specific calls to action for each break out session.

The Attendance Symposium culminates the District’s recognition of Attendance Awareness month. To learn more about the District’s Attendance Initiative, visit broward- schools.com/departments/student-services.