Charleston, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston County School District is experiencing declining attendance rates, particularly among Hispanic and multilingual students, due to fears related to the political environment. CCSD officials are concerned about absenteeism at R.B. Stall High School and are implementing strategies, such as home visits, to encourage families to return to school. The district is also enhancing support for students with multilingual needs to address barriers and reassure parents. Efforts to create a safe learning environment are crucial in combating fears and ensuring all students have access to quality education.
Charleston
The Charleston County School District (CCSD) is facing declining attendance rates, with particularly notable absences among Hispanic and multilingual students, as the school year commences. Reports show that many families are hesitant to send their children to school due to a prevailing “fear factor” associated with the ongoing political environment, as highlighted by Associate Superintendent Dr. Shavonna Coakley.
Dr. Coakley emphasized the essential role of a safe learning environment in promoting effective education. She noted that if students do not feel secure, parents are less likely to allow them to attend school. CCSD officials are especially worried about attendance figures from the North Charleston community, where absenteeism among English learners is significant.
Ten days into the academic year, the district has reported substantial absenteeism, particularly at R.B. Stall High School, which noted around 200 absences. Contributing factors include a lack of necessary school supplies, transportation issues, and concerns surrounding the potential for immigration enforcement in schools. Although immigration authorities have not explicitly targeted educational institutions, fear remains high among families.
The Executive Director of Multilingual Services, Dr. Angela Rush, has commented on the district’s commitment to better serve Hispanic families. CCSD has established an office focused on translation and interpretation services to support students and their families effectively. To further enhance educational engagement, there are more multilingual learner teachers available than in previous years to provide appropriate instruction tailored to these students’ needs.
In response to the attendance crisis, CCSD officials are implementing a “boots on the ground” strategy, which involves home visits and direct communication with families to encourage students to return to the classroom. The district is also making it clear that it is not too late for any student to enroll, providing support for required school supplies and emotional counseling as needed.
Parents have cited fears of immigration raids as a primary reason for not sending their children to school. Alongside this, education policy attorneys have reported a surge in inquiries from families worried about potential immigration enforcement in schools, especially following recent changes in policy at the federal level.
To counteract this, CCSD is contemplating solutions for the high levels of absenteeism, including the potential implementation of virtual learning tailored to specific schools within the district. Overcoming language barriers is crucial, and CCSD is striving to reassure parents about the safety of schools and encourage them to engage with school representatives regarding their children’s well-being.
Officials are urging parents to visit schools to better understand the safety measures in place and to foster an open dialogue regarding their children’s educational needs.
Background Context
The ongoing political climate, alongside the evolving education policies in the United States, has instilled apprehension among families with multilingual backgrounds. CCSD recognizes the importance of fostering a supportive atmosphere for these families, enabling them to participate actively in their children’s education. The district’s initiatives aim to alleviate fears and combat absenteeism proactively to ensure all students have equal access to quality education.
FAQ
What is contributing to the declining attendance rates among Hispanic and multilingual students in CCSD?
The declining attendance is attributed to a “fear factor” related to the current political climate, alongside practical barriers such as a lack of school supplies and transport issues.
What measures is CCSD taking to address the attendance issues?
CCSD is employing a “boots on the ground” strategy, which includes home visits, direct outreach to families, and increased resources for multilingual learners to encourage attendance.
How can parents feel reassured about school safety?
CCSD encourages parents to visit schools to familiarize themselves with safety protocols and engage with school officials about their children’s well-being.
Attendance Trends in CCSD
| School | Recorded Absences | Key Factors for Absence |
|---|---|---|
| R.B. Stall High School | 200 | Fear of immigration enforcement, lack of supplies, transportation issues |
| North Charleston Schools Overall | Significant absenteeism | Same as above |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Schools Report Low Attendance Among Multilingual Students
- Post and Courier: Charleston County School District Hispanic Student Attendance
- WCCB Charlotte: Charleston Co. School District Paying Students for Perfect Attendance
- Wikipedia: Attendance
- Google Search: Immigration Enforcement in Schools
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