Charleston Co. School District paying students for perfect attendance

CHARLESTON CO., S.C. – A new incentive program in South Carolina is paying families if a child has perfect attendance at school. The Charleston County School District rolled out the pilot program earlier this month. It allows the district to pay $25 a week to every student with perfect attendance. The money is uploaded to a debit card which is given to parents and students over 18. It can only be used for gas, transportation, utilities, and food. The incentive was created to combat cycles of chronic absenteeism.

Parent Jack Ellison says, “It would be a little helpful to see a road map or a strategic through process behind the project. The intent is good.”

North Charleston High School principal Henry Darby says, “(To) incentivize children in terms of monetary needs, it is not a pejorative thing, it is much needed when it comes to metaphysical abstract poverty.”

According to district officials, more than $30,000 were paid out during the first week. Again, this is a pilot program, and if it works it could be an incentive that is used across the state.