GREENSBORO, N.C. — ICYMI, the back-to-school calendar for a Triad school district is going to start much earlier than normal. Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools approved a calendar for the next school year and the new start date is August 12, 2024. That's two weeks earlier than ever before! That caused a lot of parents to complain because vacations, beach house rentals, and such have already been reserved.
The district announced absences won't count at the start of the next school year because of that major change, but asked the parents to work with the district on alerting them of their plans.
Absenteeism has become a big issue in districts across the country since COVID.
Ohio state lawmakers introduced House Bill 348, which would pay $25 bi-weekly to kindergarten students, 9th graders, and high school seniors if they attend school 90% of the time.
"School attendance and absenteeism is probably the number one issue in education today it is an absolute crisis," said Representative Dani Isaacsohn, 24th District, Ohio.
In Central Ohio, the Columbus City School District currently has a 49% absenteeism rate, meaning about half the students miss 10% or more of the school year. However, in the last year, the district has reduced its absenteeism by 12%.
"It's a principle we all understand well that money is motivating but beyond that, it's about the principle that sometimes people need a nudge to get back to positive behavior," said Isaacsohn.
If the proposal passes, it will be a two-year trial. School districts will be able to give the money as they see fit.