VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County Schools have found a new way to help kids get to class by giving them a bike.
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With support from AdventHealth, 168 students just received brand-new bikes and helmets as part of a pilot program.
The goal is simple, to make sure transportation isn’t a barrier to attending school.
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Leaders in Volusia County say chronic absenteeism is a big issue.
“This effort here that we are doing it to eradicate, to put away some of those barriers and ensure our students are a success,” said Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin.
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The county has already seen progress, with some schools cutting absences by 18% and a 5% reduction overall this year.
The district is aiming for a 10% drop in absences compared to last year.
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