(The Center Square) – Several schools in Caddo Parish have an increase in student attendance compared to data from last year, according to Superintendent Keith Burton.
During the Caddo Parish School Board meeting on Tuesday, Burton highlighted the growth of many schools throughout the district, including Atkins Elementary, J.S. Clark Academy, Broadmoor, Riverside Elementary, Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle and Westwood Elementary.
According to Burton, Atkins Elementary attendance has increased from 88% to 94% in September compared to data from last year.
Truancy is an ongoing issue for the parish. Burton’s report showed this is gradually changing.
“When you see the decrease in truancy, some of these are incredible,” said Burton to the board. “Broadmoor has gone from having 32 down to 15 students, which is incredible. Turner had 53 students that were defined as truant, and now they’re down to 26. So, you can see across the board that those numbers are working.”
Reports showed that Atkins Elementary had the greatest increase in attendance for elementary schools, Northside Middle for middle schools and Huntington High for high schools.
Burton has previously discussed the concerns of truancy in the district. Back in March, many expressed concerns over excessive absences and behavioral issues in students. Truancy issues began rising after the COVID-19 pandemic, when students missing 10-plus days of school in Caddo Parish increased from 379 in 2018-19 to 3,114 in 2022-23.
Data previously released showed that in 2024-25, 39% of elementary school students were missing days in school.
After bringing the absentee issues front and center, Burton and the board began addressing potential policy changes and procedures to address tardiness and absences.
