Windham Public Schools Receives $175,000 LEAP Grant as Attendance Gains Continue
District is on Pace to Lower Chronic Absenteeism for 2026-2027
WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – Windham Public Schools has been awarded a $175,000 state grant through the Connecticut State Department of Education's Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP), funding that builds on the district’s success in lowering chronic absenteeism.
$6.2 million in total is being awarded to 29 school districts. Windham is one of the original 15 districts that launched LEAP in 2021.
LEAP is an outreach program in which trained school staff and community partners connect directly with students and families where they live, build relationships, identify barriers to attendance and strengthen connections with school.
"Students need to be in school to learn, build relationships, and have access to all the great opportunities we offer. LEAP has been a trusted partner in helping us reach families one conversation at a time," said Superintendent Dr. Iris Gomero. "This $175,000 investment will help us keep building on the progress our students, families and staff have made. We are grateful to Governor Lamont, the Connecticut General Assembly and the State Department of Education for their continued commitment to this work, and for helping to accelerate our impact here in Windham."
WINDHAM'S PROGRESS
In 2025-2026, Windham Public Schools recorded an 8.0 percentage-point decrease in district-wide chronic absenteeism, its lowest rate since 2020. The district credits a focus on attendance and engagement, high-quality instruction, and school culture and climate, all anchored by the message "School is Better With You Here."
PROGRESS ACCELERATED FOR 2026-2027
Current data as of Sept. 30 shows continuing progress. At 16.64%, the district's chronic absenteeism rate is the lowest since 2020. Several schools are posting standout results:
W.B. Sweeney Elementary School: 9.71%, lowest rate since the district began tracking data in 2016
Natchaug Elementary School: 10.92%, lowest since 2018
Windham Middle School: 13.37%, lowest since 2020
Schools are also making great improvement to their overall attendance rate compared to this time last year.
W.B. Sweeney Elementary School: 96% + 2% from this time last year
Natchaug Elementary School: 96% +1% from this time last year
North Windham Elementary School: 96% +1% from this time last year
Windham Middle School: 95% + 2% from this time last year
To build on the fast start, Windham Public Schools is running a district-wide 60-Day Attendance Challenge for both students and staff. "Every day a student is here is a day they are learning, connected to friends and supported by caring adults," Dr. Gomero said.
