Selma leaders to announce $500 incentives for families to increase school attendance

Tomorrow leaders in the Selma community will announce a new initiative to increase school attendance by giving $500 to families with children who have perfect attendance for the month. 

The announcement will be made by Selma Housing Authority (SHA) President and CEO, Kennard Randolph, Mayor James Perkins, Jr., and Selma City Schools Superintendent Zickeyous Byrd. 

"Each month, we will enter the names of all the parents of children with perfect attendance. The winner must use the money towards housing expenses," said Randolph. "We feel this could be an effective solution to getting all scholars back in the classroom and learning."

A press release from the City of Selma said that families in the George Washington Carver, Rangedale, Valley Creek, and Felix Heights apartments are eligible if their children attend the full school day for an entire month.

It added that "critical" months will be February, March and April for students to be in school for state testing. The months of August and September are also important. Drawings will be done during these months. 

“We are excited to join the example set by Mayor Woodfin in Birmingham. This attendance incentive award will help strengthen and uplift the level of community support for these households," said Perkins. "A quality education is vital for our future generation to be successful in our historic city."

The announcement will be made at 12:30 p.m. at the Selma High School Media Center on 2180 Broad Street. 

"This is an outstanding partnership," said Byrd. The mission of the entire district is to have all our scholars in class daily and on time. Their presence in the classroom will lead to higher test scores and decrease chronic absenteeism. This incentive is a win-win for our schools, parents, scholars, and the city."