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Getting to school every day isn’t always easy. For some CFBISD students and families, there are challenges that can make regular attendance difficult, and that’s where support can make all the difference.
Throughout September, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is participating in National Attendance Awareness Month, highlighting the direct link between daily school attendance, academic performance and long-term student success.
As part of this year’s “I Show Up Because…” campaign, students across the district are reflecting on why being present matters for their future. But for students who are struggling to get to school regularly, CFBISD is going beyond encouragement. Programs such as the Truancy Tribunal connect students and families with support, resources and accountability to help them overcome barriers to attendance.
The Truancy Tribunal is a key attendance intervention program that provides support, resources and accountability to students and families experiencing attendance challenges. Facilitated by two retired judges from Payton, Nix and Associates, the district attendance officer and the coordinator of mental health and counseling services, the Tribunal takes a proactive approach to understanding and addressing the challenges behind absenteeism.
“Rather than focusing solely on consequences, the Truancy Tribunal seeks to strengthen partnerships between families and schools and reduce chronic absenteeism,” said Director of Student Services Matt Pruitt. “By identifying and removing these barriers, we aim to help students develop positive attendance habits that support their long-term academic success.”
The process begins when campus staff and the district attendance officer monitor reports to identify students who have reached established thresholds for unexcused absences. Students and families identified for additional intervention are referred to the Tribunal, which guides them through a two-step process focused on understanding the challenges, creating a plan and following up on progress.
First, families attend an initial Tribunal meeting to review Texas compulsory attendance laws, discuss the importance of regular attendance and understand potential consequences of continued unexcused absences. During the meeting, the student completes an Attendance Intervention Plan while families meet with the district’s student and counseling services staff to identify attendance barriers and connect with available resources.
The work doesn’t stop there. Follow-up occurs during individualized status meetings, where the Tribunal checks in with students and families to review attendance records, evaluate progress and discuss academic performance when necessary. Working collaboratively, the Tribunal addresses ongoing challenges, reinforces attendance expectations, recognizes progress and adjusts support as needed.
While Attendance Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the impact of absenteeism each September, the Truancy Tribunal serves as an ongoing pillar of support. Because sometimes, helping a student show up starts with understanding what’s keeping them away.
For more information on chronic absences and attendance resources, please visit the CFBISD attendance webpage.
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