PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- As the new school year begins, the Pierre School Board and Administration are putting a focus on student attendance.

Superintendent Dr. Kelly Glodt says overall attendance for this past school year had improved, but was still lower than it was before COVID.

Glodt says the district received a grant to hire someone to work in each of the district’s schools that will focus on attendance.

Glodt says it takes both teachers and parents to help students be successful in school. He encourages parents to talk with their students– of all ages– about liking school and about what education will mean to the students and their futures.