Dear Klamath Falls City Schools Families, Teachers, and Staff,
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to share an important update regarding Oregon’s new K–12 education legislation, Senate Bill 141 (The Education Accountability Act).
This legislation establishes an updated statewide accountability framework designed to ensure all students receive the support, resources, and instruction they need to thrive. A foundational focus of SB 141 is improving overall student attendance and engagement across all grade levels.
Key Attendance Metrics Under SB 141
Under the new state framework, Oregon is placing a renewed emphasis on reducing chronic absenteeism. Districts will now formally track and report performance growth targets for two key attendance categories:
Regular Attendance Rate (Grades 3–12): Defined as the percentage of students who attend at least 90% of enrolled school days (missing fewer than 10% of school days, or roughly 1.5 days per month).
Early-Grade Regular Attendance (Kindergarten–Grade 2): A new statewide metric specifically focusing on K–2 attendance. Research shows that consistent attendance in early grades directly correlates with reading proficiency by 3rd grade.
Why Attendance Matters
Consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student achievement, social development, and high school graduation. Every school day provides crucial opportunities for hands-on learning, building relationships with peers and educators, and staying on track academically.
Our Shared Goal: We want every student in Klamath Falls City Schools to feel welcomed, valued, and safe at school every single day.
What This Means for KFCS Families and Staff
For Families | For Staff & Educators |
|---|---|
Partner with Us: Plan family trips during designated school breaks and aim to minimize non-emergency absences. | Early Intervention: Use real-time data to identify attendance patterns early and provide timely student supports. |
Communication: Reach out to your student's school if your family is experiencing challenges (transportation, health, or personal) so we can assist. | Welcoming Culture: Continue building strong relationships and positive classroom environments where students want to learn. |
Track Absences: Keep an eye on school communication portals to monitor your student’s overall attendance percentage. | Targeted Support: Work alongside district support teams to connect families with community resources when needed. |
Next Steps and Support
Senate Bill 141 is intended to build support systems, not to punish families or schools. If your student is facing obstacles that make regular attendance difficult, please contact your school's main office, counselor, or family liaison. We are here to partner with you to find solutions.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and school community. Together, we can ensure every child in Klamath Falls has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Warm regards,
Dr. Keith A. Brown, Superintendent
Klamath Falls City Schools