Governor Stein Proclaims Attendance Awareness Month

Attendance Awareness Month 

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, education is foundational for the next generation of North Carolinians, and consistent school attendance is essential to both academic achievement and the economic opportunity that follows – ensuring that today's students become tomorrow’s workforce, leaders, and engaged residents; and 

Whereas, chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year for any reason, is a significant challenge in North Carolina’s public schools; and during the 2024-2025 school year, one in four K-12 students were chronically absent due to real-life challenges and unmet needs; and 

Whereas, being present at school through regular attendance supports strong academic progress and reduces dropout risk; and evidence-based models of integrated student support have demonstrated that when trained, caring adults are present to remove barriers, students show up prepared and ready to learn; and

Whereas, persistent student absences place additional challenges on student learning; and addressing those root causes requires dedicated student support professionals who can identify barriers, connect families to resources, and free teachers to focus on instruction; and 

Whereas, students and families are more likely to be present and engage when schools offer positive conditions for learning, including physical and emotional health and safety, a sense of connection and support, academic engagement, and caring adults; and 

Whereas, addressing chronic absenteeism requires collaboration among schools, families, community organizations, and business partners; and 

Whereas, August marks the beginning of the academic year and an opportunity to raise public awareness and recommit to evidence-based strategies that promote attendance, engagement, and achievement;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim August 2026, as “Attendance Awareness Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-first day of July in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.