With the new school year underway and chronic absenteeism rates still an ongoing issue, Los Angeles County leaders gathered at Madison Elementary School in Pomona Unified School District today to launch a coordinated effort to boost student attendance and provide families with the tools they need to help children thrive in school.

Hosted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH), the press conference emphasized that student attendance is not only an education issue, but it’s also a public health and community priority. Research shows that regular school attendance is closely linked to emotional well-being, academic achievement, future career opportunities and even life expectancy.

As part of the campaign, LACOE introduced its new Attendance Awareness Toolkit and the updated Student Attendance Playbook. Both are extensive resources for districts and schools to promote consistent attendance throughout the year, based on data findings and evidence backed strategies. The toolkit includes customizable communication materials, data tracking tips, strategies for engaging families and resources to connect students with health and social services. The goal is to give educators, families and community partners practical tools to remove barriers and keep students learning.

Speakers included Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; Darren Knowles, Superintendent of Pomona Unified School District; and Dr. Gary Gonzales, Superintendent of South Whittier School District. Each highlighted the critical need to address the root causes of chronic absenteeism through health services, housing stability, mental health support and community-based interventions.

"Missing school is rarely about lack of motivation—it’s more often about challenges no child should face alone. This includes unstable housing, lack of transportation, untreated asthma, caretaking responsibilities, immigration trauma or the absence of a safe, stable adult in their life,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. "When students show up, they’re not just learning math or reading. They’re building relationships, developing confidence and setting the foundation for a healthy future. We pledge to keep working together to make sure every student not only has a seat in the classroom but the support they need to stay and succeed at school."

“Every day in school matters,” said Dr. Duardo. “Ensuring students are present is a community-wide effort. It takes schools, families, health providers and community partners working together to remove barriers and create the conditions for every child to succeed."

The event kicked off the ongoing effort by LACOE, LADPH and school districts across the County to ensure students are present, supported and connected.