PGCPS Launches “Attendance Ambassador Program” to Combat Chronic Absenteeism Through Community Partnership

April 28, 2026
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) officially launched its new Attendance Ambassador Program today during a news conference at Andrew Jackson Academy. The community-driven initiative aims to reduce chronic absenteeism by fostering a shared responsibility among families, educators, and local partners to ensure every student is present, engaged, and prepared for success.

The launch comes at a time of significant momentum for the district. Andrew Jackson Academy, the site of today’s announcement, has seen an attendance increase of 5.5% since 2022. This mirrors a district-wide trend of progress where chronic absenteeism dropped from 30% to 27.4% over the last year. Despite these gains, district officials emphasize that the Attendance Ambassador Program is vital to further accelerating this progress.

The Attendance Ambassador Program brings together a diverse coalition, including business leaders, faith-based organizations, nonprofit partners, law enforcement, county representatives, parents, and students.

Joining the launch were County Executive Aisha Braveboy, State’s Attorney Tara Jackson, district leaders, students, parents and community partners.

"Absenteeism is not a behavior problem," said Interim Superintendent Shawn Joseph. "It is a signal that a child may be struggling or that a family may need support. As a system and a community, we must respond differently. The launch of the Attendance Ambassador initiative signals our collective commitment to support our children and families."

Participants in the program signed a pledge card today, committing to serve as visible champions for the message that "Every Day Counts." Attendance Ambassadors have committed to:

• Champion Attendance: Promoting it as a key driver of academic success.
• Leverage Influence: Using their voices and services to encourage families to prioritize daily attendance.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Working alongside schools to address attendance challenges with empathy and coordination.
• Remove Barriers: Supporting strategies and partnerships that create clear pathways for students to attend school consistently.

The district believes that regular, on-time attendance is a powerful predictor of student success. By expanding this network of community champions, PGCPS intends to move beyond traditional discipline, instead focusing on empathy-based solutions that address the root causes of why students miss school.

“Our children’s success is the foundation of our county’s future," said County Executive Aisha Braveboy. "The Attendance Ambassador Program isn’t just about filling seats; it’s about wraparound support. By bringing together faith leaders, businesses, and families, we are creating a culture where every student feels seen, supported, and motivated to show up."

State’s Attorney Tara Jackson said, “Real public safety starts long before a crime occurs; it begins with prevention, early intervention, and keeping young people connected to school and opportunity. Showing up matters, because when students stay engaged, we strengthen families, build accountability, and help change life trajectories to create safer communities.” 

To learn more about becoming an Attendance Ambassador, go to https://www.pgcps.org/offices/student-services/attendance-awareness/attendance-ambassador.  

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