CDE Field Trip - 3/12/25: Commissioner's Chat: How Fort Morgan is boosting attendance

Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova spoke recently with Fort Morgan Superintendent Rob Sanders and Assistant Superintendent Rena Frasco about how the district is tackling chronic absenteeism. The district saw a nearly 2 percentage point decrease in chronic absenteeism in 2024 (26.6%) compared to 2023 (28.4%).

Led by Sanders and Frasco, the district has recognized that attendance is a critical factor in student success. With a diverse student body, where only 25% of students are white and the majority are Hispanic or other ethnic minorities, Fort Morgan faces unique challenges in ensuring that students remain engaged in their education. Partnering with the Colorado Department of Education, the district joined a statewide chronic absenteeism cohort to learn best practices from other schools and implement their attendance initiatives.

An example of one strategy is that each school created its own slogan, integrating school spirit with the importance of daily attendance. Green Acres Elementary's slogan is “Rise, Shine, Be on Time” and Sherman Elementary’s is  “Don’t Miss a Bite of Learning.” These messages are prominently displayed on banners, stickers, and bracelets, reinforcing the importance of showing up every day. Additionally, the district used funding from the CDC Healthy Schools grant and a generous donation from Kaiser Permanente to provide incentives for attendance and launch new student support programs.

Additionally, the district implemented an attendance review panel—composed of retired educators, community members, and local officials—offering an alternative to the court system for students struggling with truancy. This approach connects families with resources and support before legal consequences become necessary, fostering a more compassionate and effective solution.

Fort Morgan’s efforts extend beyond K-12 education, ensuring that students have viable paths to success after high school. The district has introduced a GED prep and testing center for students balancing work and education, as well as a groundbreaking “College Now” program, allowing students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. By addressing attendance through a mix of community engagement, staff investment, and academic opportunities, Fort Morgan is proving that when schools, families, and communities come together, every student has the chance to succeed.