Lt. Governor Hosemann recognized 175 schools and 12 school districts across Mississippi for chronic absenteeism of 15 percent or less during the 2023-2024 school year.

The Oxford Middle School, Lafayette Middle School and Davidson Elementary School in Water Valley were three of the individual 175 schools recognized. The Water Valley School District was one of the 12 districts across Mississippi recognized.

The schools all received the “Lt. Governor’s Attendance Award” and a letter honoring their achievement.

Hosemann has identified tackling chronic absenteeism in Mississippi schools as a priority for the 2025 Legislative Session. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing more than 18 days (10 percent) of the school year for any reason including excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions.

Mississippi’s chronic absenteeism rate for the 2023-2024 school year was 24.4 percent. While the rate is lower than some other states, it is still more than 10 percentage points above the state’s 13 percent rate during the 2018-2019 school year.

“The goal should be for every school in Mississippi to reach its pre-pandemic rate, and then keep trending downward. When children are in the classroom, they are safe and they are learning,” Hosemann said. “This award is meant to celebrate schools concentrating on bringing their attendance rates up and encourage others to set the same goal.