SPS Daily Attendance Continues to Improve

Every day counts, and Springfield Public Schools is seeing more students in class, more often. The District's daily attendance rate reached 88.1% in the 2025-26 school year, the highest rate in the past five school years.

District data shows that daily attendance has increased from 86.45% in 2021-22 to 88.1% in 2025-26, an improvement of 1.65 percentage points. Attendance improved in 2022-23 and 2023-24, held relatively steady in 2024-25, and rose again in 2025-26.

Regular attendance is an important factor in student success. When students are in school every day, they have more opportunities to learn, build relationships, gain confidence and stay connected to their learning community. Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success and remain on track toward graduation.

“Daily attendance is about more than being present in class. It’s about students feeling connected, supported and known,” said Jodi O’Mara, Acting Superintendent. “Each student adds a unique presence to our learning community, and school is strongest when students are learning together. Those daily connections help students feel like they belong and that school is a place where they can thrive.”

SPS has continued to focus on reducing barriers to attendance and strengthening the student experience across schools. Critical investments, including Family Resource Centers at every school, help connect families with resources and support when challenges arise. Expanded music, PE and library programs also provide students with more opportunities to engage in school, explore their interests and build positive relationships with peers and staff.

Two SPS schools, Two Rivers-Dos Ríos Elementary and Thurston High School, have implemented attendance improvement plans so successful that the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has invited both to be part of a study analyzing attendance. The insights from the study will be used to help ODE shape statewide policy and refine best practices across Oregon.

The District recognizes that improving attendance requires a community-wide effort. Families, schools and community partners all play an important role in helping students attend regularly and stay engaged. When barriers such as transportation, health concerns or other challenges affect attendance, SPS encourages families to reach out to their school so staff can help identify solutions and provide support.

“Improving attendance takes a shared effort from staff, families, students and community partners,” O’Mara said. “We are encouraged by this progress and remain committed to building welcoming, supportive schools where every student has the opportunity to attend regularly and succeed.”

As SPS works to build on this progress and work towards topping 90% daily attendance, families can help by making daily attendance a priority, establishing consistent routines, scheduling appointments outside the school day whenever possible and communicating with their school when challenges arise. Families can find resources for supporting strong attendance on SPS' Attendance Matters webpage. Working together, we can ensure that every Springfield student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed because every day counts.