Superintendent Press Release March 14, 2025
Dear Cedar Bluffs Families,
As we navigate the 2024-2025 school year, I want to take a moment to talk about an issue that has a profound impact on student success: attendance. Last year, 68,000 students in Nebraska—22% of our student population—were chronically absent. This means they missed 10% or more of the school year, whether due to excused absences, unexcused absences, or suspensions. While occasional absences are sometimes unavoidable, frequent absences can significantly affect a child’s learning and future opportunities.
Chronic absenteeism affects students of all ages but is especially concerning for our youngest learners. One in ten kindergarten and first-grade students are chronically absent, setting a pattern that can be difficult to break. Poor attendance in the early years makes it harder for students to develop foundational skills, such as reading proficiency, which is essential by third grade. Students who struggle to read at this critical stage are more likely to fall behind and face academic challenges in later grades.
By middle school, chronic absenteeism becomes one of the strongest predictors that a student may not complete high school. Missing just two days a month—about 18 days over the course of a school year—can negatively affect a student’s academic performance, making it harder to keep up with coursework and develop the skills needed for future success. Students in high-poverty communities are especially vulnerable, as they are four times more likely to be chronically absent due to challenges such as unstable housing, unreliable transportation, and limited access to healthcare.
The good news is that when students improve their attendance, their academic performance and graduation prospects improve as well. As parents and guardians, you play a vital role in helping your child develop strong attendance habits. Establishing consistent routines, such as setting regular bedtimes and morning schedules, helps ensure that children arrive at school on time and ready to learn. Encouraging a positive attitude toward school can also make a significant difference, as students who feel engaged and supported are more likely to attend regularly. If your child is facing challenges that make attendance difficult, I encourage you to reach out to our building administrators. We are here to help and can connect families with resources such as mentorship programs, transportation assistance, and counseling services. Cedar Bluffs Public School is committed to creating a welcoming, engaging environment where every student feels valued and supported. Together, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed by making attendance a top priority. Thank you for your partnership in your child’s education. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Next week, I won't be sending out the weekly newsletter because I'll be attending a conference in Kearney for most of the week. I've been invited by NRCSA to present on the topic of the 4-day school week, which I successfully implemented at two schools during my tenure. At Elba Public Schools, we adopted the 4-day week to improve financial sustainability, and at Frontier Academy in Greeley, Colorado, we implemented it to enhance teacher recruitment and retention. While these issues are crucial to our community, I don't believe implementing this schedule at Cedar Bluffs would be beneficial at this time. Still as more schools consider this in Nebraska, I am happy to present about my experiences at the State level.
Have a great weekend - Wildcat Pride!