By Dr. Bob Jordan, WPSB Chief Technology Officer

School attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. When students are present, they benefit not only from academic instruction but also from the relationships and support systems that the schools provide. When students are absent the consequences can be significant and long lasting. When these absences go unreported or no valid reason is given for the absence, predicting student success and identifying areas of need for the student becomes even more difficult. 

Truancy is different from chronic absenteeism, which focuses on the total number of days a student misses school (excused or unexcused). Truancy addresses the number of days a student misses without a documented or valid reason. A student is considered truant under Louisiana Revised Statute 17:233 when he has five or more unexcused absences or has been marked tardy five or more times in one semester. The issue of truancy due to being marked tardy typically begins in middle or high school when students start changing classes and must report to multiple teachers during the course of the school day. 

Winn Parish schools are required by law to report instances of truancy to the appropriate authorities. The Winn Parish School Board works with our parish’s Families in Needs of Service (FINS) Office to assist families before a pattern of unexcused absences becomes severe. Louisiana’s truancy law not only provides guidance on how schools, families, and community stakeholders should work together it also requires early intervention. Winn Parish schools follow a progressive sequence of communication and support with parents and guardians to bring students back into consistent attendance:

• Notification: When a student begins to accumulate unexcused or undocumented absences (three or more), parents or guardians are notified promptly. 

• School-Level Intervention: Teachers, counselors, or administrators meet with the family to discuss underlying causes and identify solutions such as tutoring, transportation assistance, or counseling referrals.

• Referral to Families in Needs of Service (FINS): If absences continue, a formal referral is made to FINS, where a trained FINS officer works with families to address barriers to attendance. 

• Legal Action: If interventions are unsuccessful, Louisiana law allows legal action as a last resort. This is reserved for cases where all other interventions have been exhausted.

Winn Parish Schools believe that every student matters. Tracking and reporting help identify patterns of truancy early, allowing the district to connect our students to the support they need to ensure their success. Families, educators, churches, civic leaders, and local organizations all have a part to play to ensure that all of our students are accounted for, every absence is understood, and every barrier is addressed. By encouraging and supporting school attendance and The Power of Presence, we not only strengthen our schools, but also the future of Winn Parish.