LAS CRUCES — Lynn Community Middle School has made a dramatic stride in keeping students in the classroom. District data show chronic absenteeism fell from 51.4% in 2023‑24 to 34.48% in 2025‑26, and the current rate stands at just 21%.

Board recognizes the progress

At the Oct. 20 Board of Education meeting, board president Pamela Cort praised the school’s effort, calling the drop “huge” and urging continued focus on barriers that keep students away from school.

Community‑driven approach

District spokesperson Kelly Jameson said the improvement cannot be pinned to a single program but reflects Lynn’s long‑standing role as a community school. The school regularly gathers input from students, parents, staff and local partners to pinpoint obstacles such as transportation challenges, safety concerns and lack of engagement.

Key resources include a partnership with New Mexico State University’s School of Social Work, a student resource room that provides clothing, shoes and hygiene products, food assistance, counseling and restorative‑practice initiatives aimed at strengthening school climate and belonging.

Student voices shape solutions

During a site‑based leadership team meeting, students identified transportation difficulties and bullying as primary hurdles. They suggested more safe‑walk routes, expanded bus eligibility and additional extracurricular options to make school more appealing.

While the district’s transportation handbook contains outdated language about bus eligibility, officials are reviewing the policy to ensure it aligns with state statutes. Recent adjustments, such as added bus stops for nearby Picacho Middle School, demonstrate the district’s willingness to respond to community concerns.

Local infrastructure efforts

LCPS has also coordinated with the City of Las Cruces on traffic‑safety measures near Lynn. Engineers evaluated a proposed four‑way stop at Nevada Avenue and Walnut Street but concluded it was unnecessary. Instead, the city installed green bike lanes and chicanes to calm traffic along Nevada Avenue, further enhancing safety for walking students.

Looking ahead

Board members and school leaders view the 21% figure as an encouraging benchmark, not the final goal. Continued collaboration with families, community agencies and city officials will be essential to sustain and improve attendance rates.

“They are removing some of those barriers,” Cort said, acknowledging that challenges remain but emphasizing the power of collective action.

Original reporting: Organ Mountain News (Las Cruces / Doña Ana County) — read the source article.