New campaign to show that 'missing school matters'
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Several organizations, businesses, and community groups are spreading the word that "missing school matters."
The Austin Area Research Organization and E3 Alliance kicked off a campaign Wednesday to increase school attendance in Central Texas.
They say more kids miss school in this region than statewide and believe many of the absences can be avoided.
"There are 2.4 million absences in Central Texas every year, and that hurts student achievement, and it costs our schools money," E3 Alliance President Susan Dawson said.
Regionally that number is even higher.
Officials say increasing attendance by an average of just three days for each student can add $34 million to Central Texas schools.
"For Round Rock, if we improved by 1 percent, it means $3 million more for us,” Round Rock ISD Superintendent Jesus Chavez said. “Think of that purchasing power to say we can hire 60 more teachers."
Forty-one schools in our region are participating in the challenge.
To find out more about the initiative, visit .