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For the most part, Buckingham County Public Schools met or exceeded state standards when it comes to pass rates this year. The only reason none of the district’s schools were accredited without conditions this year is due to one ongoing problem: chronic absenteeism. Meanwhile in Cumberland schools, the chronic absenteeism problem has been solved, and all schools are fully accredited with the exception of the middle school, which stumbled due to science pass rates. 

While that “accredited with conditions” may look concerning, the numbers are actually improving across the board in Buckingham. At the high school, English, Math and Science pass rates are all at or above state standards, while the dropout rate, graduation rate and career readiness scores are all showing growth as well. If not for the chronic absences, the high school data would deserve a victory lap. A total of 84% of students passed English, up from 80% in 2022. In Math, the pass rate remained steady at 87%, well above the state standard of 70%. And science pass rates climbed as well, going from 60% last year to 75%, again well over the state standard of 70%. The school’s only issue is that chronic absences remain high at 34.61%, just barely down from 36% last year. 

At Buckingham Middle, chronic absenteeism is a problem as well, with 25.77% of students affected. Last year, 28.1% were chronically absent. But Buckingham Middle had one more concern, as the pass rates for science, while higher than last year, are still below the state standard of 70%. Last year, 60% of middle school students passed. This year, 61% passed the science exam. But elsewhere, the district saw significant improvement. Last year, only 58% of Buckingham Middle students passed English and now that’s up to 76%. A total of 77% passed Math, up from 65% last year. 

Meanwhile at Buckingham Elementary, the problem is science. Only 54% of students passed their science exam. This is, however, up from 50% last year and 41% the year before that. 

Cumberland schools keep growing 

In Cumberland County, the schools keep building on success. We start with Cumberland High, where 98% of students passed English. No, that’s not a typo. Almost every single student passed the exam this year. That’s up from 83% last year. At Cumberland Elementary, 93% of all students passed their math exam, while 85% passed in science. At Cumberland Middle School, students showed growth in reading and math, but science was where it took a nosedive. Only 46% of Cumberland Middle students passed the science exam. That’s down from 53% last year. 

How do you solve chronic absenteeism? 

But the biggest question is how Cumberland continues to deal with chronic absenteeism, constantly achieving above the state standard. Cumberland Superintendent Dr. Chip Jones said there are different strategies used at each building. 

At Cumberland Elementary, for example, the school has implemented monthly grade-level incentives to encourage good attendance and reviews attendance data daily. 

“By engaging families in discussions about the importance of regular attendance and its impact on academic success, the school has seen a reduction in absenteeism,” Jones said. “During Virginia Tiered Systems of Support (VTSS) meetings, staff analyze trends and develop targeted plans to support students and their families. Teachers work to create a sense of community, ensuring that students feel connected and engaged in their learning.” 

Meanwhile, at the middle school, there is a “comprehensive strategy focused on efficiently using resources and building positive relationships,” Jones said. “By tracking attendance promptly and utilizing personnel effectively, we can quickly identify students who are frequently absent and provide timely support. Our outreach to families ensures they are informed and involved in their child’s attendance. When students return, we prioritize welcoming them back warmly to reinforce a positive connection. This approach integrates behavior, attendance, and academic performance, creating a supportive environment for student success. We also offer seat time flexibility through before- and after-school programs, in alignment with VDOE guidelines.” 

Jones gave the credit for the improved scores in Cumberland schools to his staff, his teachers and the parents who work with students to make sure they both show up to class and are ready to work. But Jones also said the work wasn’t finished yet, as he wants to see all three schools accredited with no conditions. 

“These reports reflect the dedication of our students, staff, and families. We are committed to continued improvement  through professional learning, strong family partnerships, and ongoing instructional improvements,” Jones said. 

He added that professional learning for the staff and administrators remains a top priority as the district continues to improve.
“Focused training is provided to better support students with disabilities and strengthen instruction in middle school science,” Jones said. “By investing in professional development, we equip our educators with the tools they need to foster continued success for all students.”