Madison Reporter

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has seen a steady increase in attendance rates over the past three years, rising from 86.3% in the 2021-22 school year to 88.1% in 2023-24. This improvement follows a nationwide decline in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laura Glaub, MMSD Lead Attendance Social Worker, explained that the first step was creating a universal attendance process applicable across all schools and grade levels within the district. Attendance teams were established at both district and school levels to identify and address specific barriers to strong attendance.

The MMSD Board of Education updated Attendance Policy 4031, defining chronic absenteeism clearly. The district also collaborates with Attendance Works, a non-profit initiative focused on improving attendance through a tiered approach that includes school-wide support and individualized interventions.

“Our attendance work is about so much more than numbers,” Glaub said. “It’s about creating environments where students feel connected, supported, and eager to learn every day.”

Huegel Elementary School has achieved significant improvements in attendance by addressing barriers such as transportation and family engagement. The school's efforts have resulted in an overall boost in attendance rates, particularly among Black students who now maintain a 90% rate.

When safety issues on routes to school were identified as causing absences, Huegel social worker Marci Fritts-Newbury led efforts to gather data and advocate for changes. This collaboration resulted in the establishment of three new bus stops.

“Those three bus stops really created a boost in attendance, particularly for students who have been historically marginalized in education,” Fritts-Newbury said. “Families felt engaged because their voice was heard, even if it took four years for the goal to come to fruition.”

Building community and belonging remains crucial at Huegel Elementary through events like welcome back parties and Latino Family Nights. Staff ensure families have comfortable communication channels with at least one staff member.

Looking forward, Glaub expressed enthusiasm for continuing efforts to improve attendance across all schools.

“Attendance is the foundation of student success,” Glaub said. “Every day a student is in the classroom is another opportunity to learn, connect and grow. Our goal is to make sure every student feels supported and valued so they want to be here and thrive.”