Most South Lake Tahoe schools awarded for increased attendance

The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) rewarded five of the seven South Lake Tahoe schools who met the district's goal of an increased attendance of one percent this year.

The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) determines how school districts will be held accountable for the funds they receive from the state. Last year, LTUSD set four goals: increase academic performance for all students; enhance communication and collaboration with stakeholders; continue maintenance, technology, and operations to improve support of the instructional program; and to ensure all foster youth will have access to education that ensures college an career readiness.

Since students cannot learn if they aren't in school, LTUSD implemented a district-wide incentive that rewards schools who had an increase in attendance of at least 1% from 2013. Superintendent Dr. James Tarwater told each school that the district would split the money that comes in from the state with them.

At the last LTUSD School Board meeting, Dr. Tarwater presented the attendance figures for each school and it shows that five of the district's seven schools met that goal.

Tahoe Valley Elementary led all schools with a gain of 1.7% which resulted in $11,884.51 coming to the school. Mt. Tallac increased by 1.2%, earning an extra $1,848.25; South Tahoe High School gained 1.1% which resulted in an extra $23,954.80; South Tahoe Middle School also gained 1.1% which brought in $20,289.57; and Bijou Elementary gained 1%, resulting in $14,507.89. Sierra House Elementary actually had an increase in attendance, but only by .2%, below the district's goal. Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet School also failed to get a bonus due to a .9% drop in attendance.