As Lansing mulls change, Michigan schools face uphill fight against absenteeism
Lawrence Public Schools has once again been recognized for its commitment to providing quality education and the supports necessary to promote strong student attendance. At a time when districts across the state are struggling with declining attendance rates, Lawrence has been commended for its student-centered initiatives.
Superintendent Williamson would like to share portions of the interview that did not appear in the final published article. He emphasized that student success begins with consistent attendance and active engagement in the classroom. “The foundation of that success is the strong relationships our staff build with students—meeting them where they are and showing genuine care,” he noted.
He highlighted the district’s MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) framework and praised staff for the many ways they support students, whether through small-group instruction or regular one-on-one check-ins tailored to individual needs. Mr. Williamson praised the strong K–6 MTSS program established at the Elementary School and expressed his enthusiasm for current expansion of these supports for students in grades 7–12.
Superintendent Williamson also underscored the importance of student involvement beyond the school day. “Students who participate in after-school activities are significantly more likely to graduate from high school,” he said, reinforcing the district’s commitment to offering meaningful extracurricular opportunities.