Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan joined students at Andrew A. Robinson Elementary School to celebrate their efforts in improving school attendance as part of the “Show up to Shine” initiative. The program, launched in August by Duval County Public Schools, the mayor’s office, faith leaders, and local nonprofits, aims to combat chronic absenteeism, which has significantly increased since the 2018-2019 school year. Deegan highlighted the importance of regular attendance for student success and acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led many students to stay home and not return.
