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The City of Selma and the Selma Housing Authority (SHA) have formed a partnership with Selma City Schools (SCS) to keep students in school.

Kennard Randolph, SHA CEO, Mayor James Perkins, Jr. and SCS Superintendent Zickeyous Byrd announced Jan. 31 that for scholars who achieve perfect attendance for the entire month, their parents could receive a $500 incentive on eligible household expenses.

“Each month, we will enter the names of all the parents of children with perfect attendance, but the winner must use the money towards housing expenses,” Randolph said. “We feel this could be an effective solution to getting all scholars back in the classroom and learning.”

Perkins said the Queen City is using the example set by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. 

“This attendance incentive award will help strengthen and uplift the level of community support for these households,” Perkins said. “A quality education is vital for our future generation to be successful in our historic city.”

Families in the George Washington Carver, Rangedale, Valley Creek and Felix Heights apartments are eligible if their children attend the full school day for an entire month. School system administrators said they recognize the importance of children being in school during the critical months of February, March, April in preparation for state testing. The plan is also set in August and September for the next school year. The drawing will take place every month.

For two straight years, Byrd has stood firm on creating ways for students to excel.

“This is an outstanding partnership. The mission of the entire district is to have all our scholars in class daily and on time,” Byrd said. “Their presence in the classroom will lead to higher test scores and decrease chronic absenteeism. This incentive is a win-win for our schools, parents, scholars, and the city.”