Birmingham, Alabama, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham City Schools have introduced a $43,000 cash incentive program aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism among students. Funded by the Penny Foundation, the initiative offers families $500 if their child is registered and present on the first day of school. This effort comes as the district continues to combat absenteeism, which has significantly improved but remains a challenge. The program aims to foster a culture of readiness and engagement as the new school year begins on August 7.
Birmingham City Schools Launch $43,000 Cash Incentive Program to Combat Chronic Absenteeism Ahead of New School Year
Birmingham, Alabama – Birmingham City Schools (B-C-S) is implementing an initiative to tackle chronic absenteeism, defined as missing at least 10% of school days, with a new $43,000 cash incentive program funded by the Penny Foundation. The initiative aims to encourage student attendance as classes resume on August 7.
Chronic absenteeism has been a pressing issue for multiple years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately three years ago, around 30% of B-C-S students were considered chronically absent. As a result of previous efforts, this figure has significantly decreased to below 14%. However, local officials, including Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan, acknowledge the continued challenges faced by the school district, noting that factors such as student homelessness contribute to attendance issues.
The new program offers a $500 incentive for families who ensure their child is both registered and present on the first day of school. In a randomized selection process, two families per school will be chosen to receive the cash prize. This draw will be conducted from the district’s student information system, and to ensure a fair chance, only one incentive payout will be awarded per household.
Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed that the first day of school is crucial for establishing a positive academic year, underscoring the overarching importance of attendance for students’ educational success and the overall welfare of the community. The city has previously adopted various programs aimed at reducing absenteeism, such as financial assistance for rental costs. These initiatives have shown promise, leading to improved attendance rates.
The registration process for Birmingham City Schools is fully online, and officials encourage families to register promptly to take advantage of this new incentive program. The lottery drawing for the cash incentives will occur on the first day of school, aiming to promote a culture of readiness and engagement among students and families.
In addition to this new approach, local leaders hope this cash incentive will further reduce the absenteeism rate across Birmingham City Schools. Prior efforts, such as the “Every Day Counts” initiative, focused on partnerships to address underlying issues leading to chronic absenteeism. Officials remain optimistic that this new incentive will provide a fresh impetus for sustained improvement in student attendance.
Background Context
Birmingham City Schools has faced significant hurdles in student attendance for several years, a situation that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronic absenteeism can lead to long-term academic and social consequences for children. Earlier programs targeting this issue included proactive measures such as financial support to help families maintain stable housing. As of now, schools are striving to create an environment where students feel safe and supported enough to attend regularly.
Key Points of the Initiative
- Funded by a $43,000 grant from the Penny Foundation.
- Offers $500 incentive for each child registered and present on the first day.
- Drawing to occur on the first day of school, selecting two families from each school.
- Previous programs have reduced chronic absenteeism rates to below 14%.
- Registration for schools is entirely online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is chronic absenteeism?
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 10% of school days, which can negatively impact students’ educational outcomes.
How can families participate in the cash incentive program?
Families can participate by registering their child online and ensuring they are present on the first day of school. Two families from each school will be randomly selected to win the incentive money.
When does the new school year start for Birmingham City Schools?
Classes for Birmingham City Schools are set to begin on August 7.
What previous measures have been taken to improve attendance?
Previous initiatives included financial assistance for families facing housing instability and campaigns like “Every Day Counts,” aimed at raising awareness of the importance of regular attendance.
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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