Kershaw County School District officials reported a first‑quarter chronic absenteeism rate of 13.3% and reminded the board that the rate may rise during cold and flu season.

Assistant or data presenter Mr. Matthews explained that chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% of school days in a given period. At about 50 days into the school year, a student who missed five days would meet the threshold. By contrast, over a full 180‑day year the threshold is 18 days. The district provided historical figures showing a whole‑year rate of 20.7% in 2020–21, 21.1% in 2023–24, and 19.0% in 2024–25, while noting the current first‑quarter snapshot of 13.3% is comparatively positive at this point in the year.

Why it matters: High chronic absenteeism results in substantial lost instructional time. Using an illustrative calculation, the presenter said if the district had 10,000 students and a 19% chronic‑absence rate, that equates to roughly 34,200 lost student days (about 205,200 instructional hours). The board discussed regional and school‑level variation, with the presenter saying high schools and the North Central area showed higher absenteeism than elementary schools and other regions.

Details and district response: The district emphasized attendance incentives and regular data reviews (monthly celebrations, prize drawings, and “data huddles” with principals). The Education Oversight Committee’s attendance push and resources from the National Dropout Prevention Center and Attendance Works were cited as supports.

Ending: Board members asked for comparisons with the first quarter of prior years; the presenter said the first‑quarter rate last year was about 16%. Staff said they will continue monitoring attendance and implementing targeted measures.

Note: All figures were presented by district staff as part of an informational update.