JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) — Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann (R-Miss.) announced that 130 schools across Mississippi have earned the Lieutenant Governor’s Attendance Award for the 2024–25 school year.
The award honors schools with chronic absenteeism rates at or below 15%. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year—about 18 days—for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences or suspensions.
“Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic and life-long success,” Hosemann said. “Chronic absenteeism is rampant in our state. These schools, their teachers, and families are making daily efforts to ensure students are present and learning. Their hard work deserves recognition.”
A recent report from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) showed the state’s chronic absenteeism rate rose from 24.4% to 27.6% in 2024. Data from Future Ed ranked Mississippi 18th among 20 states reporting chronic absenteeism for the 2024–25 school year — 4.6% higher than the national average from 2023–24.
Hosemann said tackling absenteeism remains a top educational priority. For the 2026 Legislative Session, proposed measures include:
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Assigning a School Attendance Officer in every district
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Increasing salaries for these officers
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Reducing educational requirements from a bachelor’s degree to an associate’s degree
Hosemann emphasized that these changes aim to help schools keep students consistently in class and on track for success.
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