Birmingham’s New Initiative for School Attendance
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is introducing an unusual approach to address the city’s issues with school attendance. Instead of focusing on stricter rules or educational reform, he’s offering financial incentives. The plan involves giving $500 to randomly selected families whose children attend school on the first day of the academic year.
“If your child is registered and shows up on that day, you could be one of two families at each school to receive $500, no strings attached,” Woodfin shared on social media.
Interestingly, this initiative comes as Woodfin campaigns for reelection amidst ongoing challenges like crime and infrastructure problems. It seems he views public schooling, in a way, as akin to a game show.
The incentive program is funded by a $43,000 grant from the Penny Foundation Inc. Schools in Birmingham are set to start on August 7th.
If your child is registered and attends school on the first day, you can become one of two families at each school randomly selected to receive $500. This is worth repeating: Two families…
– Randall Woodfin (@Randallwoodfin) July 31, 2025
“The first day of school sets the tone for the entire year,” Woodfin mentioned. “We want students to feel supported as they walk through those doors, ready to learn.”
Dr. Mark Sullivan, a principal in the district, has noted that the chronic absenteeism rate has decreased from 29% to 14% over recent years. There’s hope that this new incentive will further lower those numbers.
To qualify, students must be enrolled and present on the first day. The selection process for the incentives will be random, using the Birmingham school’s Student Information System. Only one incentive will be awarded per household.
“We are excited to work with the city to eliminate obstacles for families and ensure that Birmingham students are prepared to thrive,” a spokesperson said. “Investments like this can significantly change the future for these children.”
