Students gathering at the Coronado school, highlighting the importance of regular attendance.
The Coronado Unified School District is experiencing significant financial challenges due to a decline in student attendance. As funding is heavily reliant on Average Daily Attendance (ADA), the district’s financial health is at risk. The new California laws that eliminate funding for excused absences compound the issue. Despite implementing programs such as the Saturday School initiative, CUSD is eager for community support to improve attendance rates and secure necessary funding for educational resources.
Coronado, situated along the stunning coast of California, is currently grappling with financial challenges stemming from a decline in student attendance within the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD). As many are aware, high attendance rates are crucial not just for academic achievement but also for the financial health of public schools. Unfortunately, CUSD is feeling the pinch of new funding laws and a dip in daily student attendance.
The CUSD, like many districts in California, relies on Average Daily Attendance (ADA) metrics to determine its funding. With California being one of only seven U.S. states that follow this funding model, the emphasis on high attendance is more critical than ever. Maria Simon, the district’s Public Information Officer, made it clear that when attendance rates drop, it impacts both student success and district finances.
To give context, a perfect attendance rate of 100% is needed to fully maximize state funding, and any shortfall leads to a decrease in financial support. Stay tuned for several recent school board meetings which highlighted the concerning trend: CUSD is currently falling below its projected ADA percentages.
The district employs a color-coding system to monitor attendance, which is both intuitive and effective. Green signifies a fantastic attendance rate of 97% or higher, yellow indicates 96%, and red indicates anything below 96%. Sadly, a snapshot taken in January 2025 revealed that many of CUSD’s schools were falling into yellow and red categories. In contrast, only the ninth graders at Coronado High School (CHS) boasted a green status.
The decline in attendance has dire financial repercussions. District figures show that in recent months, CUSD schools have collectively lost a staggering amount of revenue due to lower attendance: $178,860 at CHS, $135,168 at Coronado Middle School (CMS), $59,268 at Silver Strand, and $145,596 at Village Elementary. These losses can significantly impact the educational resources available to students and the community.
Adding to the district’s challenges, new California laws have eliminated funding for excused absences, further complicating attendance recovery. Fortunately, CUSD has introduced an Independent Study Contract. This initiative allows students who may have to miss school to keep up with their assignments, which helps the district recover lost ADA funds when students do not attend in person.
In an effort to bolster attendance, CUSD is actively encouraging regular school attendance through various recovery programs. One standout is the Saturday School initiative, created to offer enriching activities while also allowing students to catch up on missed work. This program is especially timely during critical academic periods, such as leading up to Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
In a unique collaboration with the Coronado Police Department, students caught receiving e-bike tickets can attend Saturday School to clear their infractions while benefitting their academic journey. This innovative approach demonstrates a commitment to combining community engagement with educational success.
Discussions are ongoing within CUSD regarding additional attendance recovery options and potential incentives to boost engagement. Community members are more than welcome to support and participate in attendance improvement initiatives. More details about the Independent Study Contract and other attendance-related resources can be found on the CUSD website.
As the Coronado Unified School District navigates these financial hurdles influenced by budget reductions and external factors, it’s crucial that all stakeholders prioritize attendance. This will not only enhance student learning experiences but also help sustain vital educational programs and services for the future.
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