The South Carolina Education Oversight Committee's (EOC) "Be Present S.C." campaign will kick off July 28th for the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

Fifty-five South Carolina public schools will participate in the EOC's public awareness campaign to help students and families realize the connection between daily school attendance and student achievement. 

Most recent SC School Report Card data indicates that the state’s chronic absenteeism rate is 22.5% - a figure which drew the attention of EOC members.

“We've got to address this holistically, with parents and teachers. We want to work with everyone to grapple this from all fronts, because I think this is all hands on deck. If you're not in school, you cannot learn,” EOC member Melanie Barton said during a committee meeting.

EOC Executive Director Dana Yow highlighted how wide-reaching chronic absenteeism is.

“This is an issue because across the board, regardless of socio-economic status, this is impacting student achievement,” said Yow. 

At the request of committee members, EOC staff commissioned student and parent focus groups - along with a survey of more than 2,000 parents - to learn more about student and parent perceptions on school attendance. The focus groups and parent survey revealed that doctor's visits, mental health concerns, and the belief daily school attendance is not necessary were contributing factors to student absences. These insights were used to inform the public awareness campaign.

Be Present S.C. partner schools received resources, marketing materials and social media materials to participate in the campaign. Malls and billboards across the state will also feature Be Present S.C. messaging.

For more information on Be Present S.C., visit presentsc.com or contact EOC Communications Manager Tenell Felder at ftenell@eoc.sc.gov