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Reeves expresses concern over chronic absenteeism
Tim Reeves, a candidate for District 3 School Board Trustee, raised concerns about the Vicksburg Warren School District’s chronic absenteeism rate during a campaign event. The district’s overall rate stands at 30.9%, with high schools facing particularly high numbers.
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — District 3 School Board Trustee candidate Tim Reeves expressed concern over the district’s high absenteeism rate at a campaign event held in Glenwood Circle Park Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Neighbors and supporters showed up to the meet-and-greet event where ice cream, finger-painting and conversations were held. Reeves, who has children in the school district, talked about his reasons for running for the office and expressed concerns about a recently released chronic absenteeism report from the state. The September 29 report showed the Vicksburg Warren School District had an overall 30.9% chronic absenteeism rate. While Bowmar had one of the best attendance rates in the state, Warren Central High School is struggling with a 48.9% chronic absenteeism rate while Vicksburg High School is at 54.3%.
“It would appear measures taken to improve student attendance, especially at the high school level, have been less than successful,” said Reeves.
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (equivalent to 18 days) for any reason, which includes excused and unexcused absences and suspensions. The 2025-26 report for the state shows 36% excused absences and 64% unexcused absences for the school year.
“It is important for our school leaders to dig deep into this challenge, discover what is really going on, and come alongside our parents to find a solution,” said Reeves.
Reeves and his wife, Stephanie, have three children: Sarah Cameron Fancher, Clayton, and Fin Reeves. Clayton and Fin are currently students at the Academy of Innovation. Sarah Cameron is beginning her senior year at Mississippi State University, majoring in kinesiology. Sarah Cameron is a 2024 graduate of River City Early College and a five-year letterman with WCHS’ softball program.
Reeves is the son of two long-time public school teachers and has been a long supporter of public education, specifically the Vicksburg Warren School District, since the family moved to Vicksburg in 2014. He spent nearly 25 years in the newspaper industry before joining the team at ERDC in May 2021. The family are members of First Baptist Church Vicksburg, and Reeves is a past president of the United Way of West Central Mississippi.
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