Chronic absenteeism has reached alarming levels in many communities, leaving educators looking for solutions that go beyond policies and disciplinary measures. In this episode, Brittany Blackwell sits down with Jenette Fruit, high school principal and incoming superintendent at Earlville Community Unit School District 9. Jenette shares how her district tackled attendance challenges by building stronger connections with students and the community, while using data to inform next steps and decision making.
Jenette shares how Panorama’s tools helped her team move away from disconnected systems and spreadsheets and create a more unified approach to supporting students and responding to their needs. She also shares how the district increased students’ sense of belonging from just 18% to the 99th percentile and significantly improved attendance rates by focusing on relationships, consistency, and community involvement. Throughout the conversation, she offers practical insights for district and school leaders on creating lasting change and shows how trust, engagement, and clear access to data can improve both student well-being and academic outcomes.
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TOPICS COVERED
- How data drives decisions and belonging drives attendance
- What the data process looked like before utilizing Panorama and how it has improved
- How focusing on belonging and relationships transformed school culture and student attendance
- The journey from 18% student belonging to the 99th percentile and how data made that possible
- Why leading with belonging rather than policy or consequences can impact attendance and teacher retention
- How Panorama is used as a standing item in faculty meetings and supports intentional progress tracking
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