Natchitoches Parish Schools held a press conference on Aug. 1 to officially declare war on truancy and chronic absenteeism. 

NPSB Superintendent Dr. Eloi expressed how Natchitoches Parish Schools are facing a significant attendance challenge. As of today, the Natchitoches Parish School District has an average daily attendance of 90 percent, which seems fine until you realize that means that around 500 students a day are not in school. 

At the press conference, Dr. Eloi introduced community leaders such as Mayor Ronnie Williams, District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington, Sheriff Stuart Wright, The Chamber of Commerce, and more, to show their support for NPSB’s truancy policy. Dr. Eloi also introduced the team that will be leading the fight against truancy. The team is led by Director of Student Services Felicia Pinkney. Supporting her are Anita Dubois, Jennifer Ingram, Jazmine Dilworth, Joey Miller, Rayna Ferrell, and consultant Dr. Darell Hampton. 

NPSB’s truancy policy will be in effect for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Attendance begins on Wednesday, Aug. 7. NPSB would like to remind parents to make sure their student attends school five days a week starting on Wednesday, Aug. 7. 

The official Natchitoches Parish Truancy Policy for the 2024-2025 school year will be released as soon as some amendments are made to it.