Birmingham, August 1, 2025

News Summary

Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham has launched a new initiative offering families a $500 cash incentive to encourage student attendance on the first day of school, August 7. Funded by a $43,000 grant from the Penny Foundation Inc., the program aims to combat chronic absenteeism and promote positive educational outcomes for students. Two families from each city school will be randomly selected to receive the incentive, highlighting the city’s commitment to improving student registration and attendance rates.

Birmingham

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has announced a new initiative aimed at improving student attendance by offering families a $500 cash incentive for their children’s presence on the first day of school, which is scheduled for August 7. Funded by a $43,000 grant from the Penny Foundation Inc., the program intends to combat chronic absenteeism in the Birmingham school system and promote a positive start to the academic year.

The incentive will reward two families from each city school, who will be randomly selected from the list of registered students. To qualify for the bonus, parents must ensure that their registered children are both present and accounted for on the first day. The cash payment will be issued to the primary guardian of the selected student, and only one payout will be awarded per household to maintain fairness in distribution.

This initiative is critical as it comes at a time when Birmingham has historically faced issues with school registration and absenteeism. Many families are often slow to enroll their children, which has led to high absentee rates, especially during the first month of school. Mayor Woodfin stressed the importance of the first day, noting that it sets the tone for the entire academic year. He emphasized that this program reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring that every student is prepared and ready to learn.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan remarked that attendance on the first day plays a significant role in determining funding and resources for schools throughout the entire year. The new incentive program is part of a broader strategy to improve attendance rates and educational outcomes for Birmingham students. The district previously struggled with a chronic absenteeism rate that reached up to 29 percent but has successfully reduced this figure to under 14 percent.

In addition to this new program, the city has launched the “Every Day Counts” partnership with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District. This initiative provides transportation assistance and academic support to public housing residents, addressing potential barriers to school attendance and ensuring that more students have the opportunity to succeed.

Lyord Watson Jr., executive director of the Penny Foundation, highlighted the significance of removing barriers that hinder families and supporting overall student success. This cash incentive program is designed not only to increase attendance but to open doors for brighter futures for Birmingham’s children.

Despite these efforts, thousands of students in the Birmingham district remained unregistered just before the school year began, indicating a pressing need for initiatives like this one to further decrease absenteeism and secure better educational opportunities for all students.

Key Details of the Incentive Program

• Incentive Amount: $500 cash bonus
• Eligibility: Must be registered and present on the first day of school
• Selection Process: Random drawing from the student registration system
• Payout Limit: One payout per household
• Funding Source: $43,000 grant from the Penny Foundation Inc.

Background Context

Birmingham has faced notable challenges regarding student attendance and school registration. The historically high absenteeism rates, particularly in the early weeks of the academic year, have prompted various initiatives to encourage families to enroll and maintain consistent attendance. The latest cash incentive program represents an effort to further address these issues while fostering a proactive approach to education in the community.

FAQ

Incentive Program Summary

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Birmingham Urges Early Registration for Upcoming School Year
Birmingham City Schools Board Approves Relocation Project

Additional Resources

• AL.com: Birmingham is Paying Parents $500 Just for Sending Kids to School on the First Day
• WVTM13: Birmingham City Schools Absenteeism Financial Incentive
• WBRC: City of Birmingham Penny Foundation Selecting 2 Families from Each School to Receive $500 for 1st Day School Attendance
• Wikipedia: Absenteeism
• Google Search: School Attendance Initiatives

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.