Mitchell is one of four South Dakota school districts awarded Addressing Chronic Absenteeism Grants. These grants were awarded on a competitive basis to high-needs school districts.
Mitchell, Spearfish, Leola, and Watertown school districts each received up to $500,000 to implement programs to support districts, students, and families with regular school attendance. Money from the grants will fund transportation; mentoring and tutoring programs; student, family, and community engagement activities; and more.
The statewide attendance rate in school year 2022-23 was 86.41 percent versus 85.65 the previous year. The grant funds are made available from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law in 2022.
A first round of grants was awarded to school districts in July. The Sioux Falls, Pierre, Wilmot, Waubay, and Sisseton school districts received grants in that round.